The 40-hectare site is formed from four disused Victorian reservoirs. These were converted into a wide range of wetland features and habitats before the centre opened in May 2000.

In 2002 the London Wetland Centre was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as the Barn Elms Wetland Centre.

Many birds which have now made their home in the Centre cannot be found anywhere else in London, and there are nationally significant numbers of Gadwall and Northern Shoveler. Other wild birds include Eurasian Bittern, Northern Pintail, Northern Lapwing, Water Rail, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Sand Martin, Common Kingfisher, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe.

It is host to regular lectures and events concerned with preserving Britain’s wetland animals.


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