London Wetland Centre

London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London and was voted the UK's Favourite Nature Reserve by the public in the Countryfile Magazine Awards 2012. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people. 

We have created numerous different wildlife habitats such as lakes, pools and gardens that are home to birds, frogs and newts.

There are scrapes for wading birds to feed on, reed beds where up to seven bitterns make their home each winter and grazing marshes and wildflower meadows.

In the decade since the centre opened over 200 species of bird have been spotted, making it a bird watching paradise.

It is not just wildlife enthusiasts and keen bird watchers that enjoy the beauty of our nature reserve. It’s a wonderful place for a relaxing walk through the scenic paths that meander among the lakes and meadows. Or to simply sit on one of the benches dotted around reserve and watch the ducks, swans, dragonflies and water voles.

There are six hides, perfect for both watching wildlife and photography.  If you are lucky – and patient – you can see reptiles, amphibians and numerous dragonflies and butterflies; not to mention our ever popular water voles. Find out more in our Wildlife Guide.

The paths at London Wetland Centre are all flat  - as you might expect at a centre created on the site of four redundant reservoirs! And there are plenty of benches dotted about, so the entire site is easily accessible. Even our three storey hide, the Peacock Tower, has a lift.

Don’t miss

• Bats (seven species have been spotted)
• Bittern (one of Britain’s rarest – and loudest – birds)
• Butterflies and moths
• Dragonflies and damselflies (including the super-sized Emperor dragonfly)
• Gadwall
• Lapwing
• Sand martins in their nest bank
• Shoveler (in nationally significant numbers)
• Slow worms
• Warblers
• Wildflowers