WWT Wetland Wildlife Photography

The centre occupies more than 100 acres (40 hectares) of land which was formerly occupied by several small reservoirs. These were converted into a wide range of wetland features and habitats before the centre opened in May 2000. It was the first urban project of its kind in the United Kingdom. It became a SSSI in 2002 and supports nationally significant numbers of gadwall and shoveler duck.
Other wild birds that can be found on the reserve include: great bittern, pintail, lapwing, water rail, ring-necked parakeet, sparrowhawk, sand martin, kingfisher, little grebe and great crested grebe.
It was featured on the television programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the London area, with focus on the region's parakeets, in an episode presented by Bill Oddie.