Rolling hills, trout-filled streams, and beech forests outline the Cotswolds—a pastoral stretch that has nurtured each folks and wildlife for hundreds of years. Designated an Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence in 1966, this protected area embodies the timeless connection between rural life and the English countryside. Simply two hours northwest of London, it’s a mosaic of flower-rich meadows, natural farms, exuberant gardens and stately nation estates.
Protecting almost 800 sq. miles throughout 5 counties—Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire—the Cotswolds type the most important protected panorama in England and Wales. Eighty % of its land stays in farming, the place cautious stewardship helps a outstanding vary of native and migratory species.
The Cotswolds additionally maintain a storied legacy in British conservation. Right here, in 1946, artist and naturalist Sir Peter Markham Scott based the world’s first Wildfowl and Wetlands Belief at Slimbridge, on the banks of the River Severn. The middle turned a mannequin for wetland preservation worldwide, inspiring ten further WWT websites throughout the UK. Immediately, Slimbridge continues Scott’s imaginative and prescient—defending endangered species and making certain that wetlands stay a refuge for wildlife and a spot of marvel for all who go to.
Slimbridge Wetland Heart: Saving Wetland Chook Species
The Slimbridge Wetland Heart spans 2,000 acres and helps 3,000 birds that signify some 200 distinctive species. Different landscapes of pasture, reed mattress, lagoon and salt marsh present a luscious pure setting for these valuable birds. As a analysis middle, 1 / 4 of Slimbridge is reserved for captive birds and breeding inventory. Immediately, Slimbridge has the world’s largest assortment of captive wildfowl (geese, geese and swans) and maintains a wonderful breeding document. The refuge helps breeding colonies of 4 of the six identified flamingo species and has a particular pavilion for unique geese and numerous small birds.
“Nene” Hawaiian goose.
The nene, also called the Hawaiian goose, was saved from complete extinction, primarily as a consequence of Sir Scott and his imaginative and prescient for Slimbridge. In 1952, solely 30 people of the Hawaiian goose remained, having suffered vital inhabitants declines within the 18th century. Involved in regards to the potential extinction of those birds, Sir Scott introduced three birds from Hawaii to Slimbridge to provoke the primary captive breeding program for these threatened species. Sir Scott was capable of reintroduce 200 nenes again to Hawaii’s Maui Island by 1979. Immediately, the inhabitants exceeds 2,000, marking one of many reserve’s most important conservation successes. A go to to Slimbridge means seeing these uncommon birds whereas getting perception into the trailblazing strategies and applied sciences that helped get well this threatened species.
Two spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) preening at Slimbridge.
Slimbridge is a Birder’s Paradise
Some 15 million birds migrate to WWT websites throughout the UK each winter. The Slimbridge Wetland Heart gives year-round alternatives to see uncommon birds from all around the world. In the summertime, you’ll be able to absorb new life teeming throughout the reserve, similar to kingfishers, wading birds passing by way of on their migration and summer season warblers. In autumn, you’ll see tundra swans, inexperienced sandpipers, wigeons, golden plovers, pintails and lots of different wintering birds arriving on the estuary. Chook watchers and photographers will take pleasure in winter in Slimbridge as 30,000 wild wintering geese, geese and swans could be discovered feeding and roosting on the reserve. Spring brings new arrivals like swallows, home martins and summer season warblers. Hear for the songs of chiffchaffs, reeds, sedge warblers and the distinctive name of the cuckoo.
© Hollie Galloway
When the Slimbridge Wetland Heart opened, the general public was inspired to discover the reserve. In 1953, Sir Scott hosted the BBC’s first-ever pure historical past program, streaming reside from his artist’s studio overlooking the lakes at Slimbridge. Curating experiences for folks to discover and really feel snug in nature was Sir Scott’s mission, and it stays his legacy. Immediately, 23 million vacationers go to Slimbridge every year. WWT’s founder stays an influential power even after his passing. His legacy lives on in continued efforts to make sure that the general public can witness and be a part of this thriving wetland ecosystem.
Pied avocet (recurvirostra avosetta)
The Final Exploration of English Nature
Pure Habitat Adventures presents an in-depth journey throughout Britain’s traditional countryside, together with a go to to Slimbridge, dubbed the Avian Serengeti. The Cotswolds: Exploring English Nature tour gives a serene retreat into nature with greater than 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways to discover.
© Hollie Galloway
The wealthy heritage of the Cotswolds leaves a lot to discover. The expansive farmland gives a harvest of high-quality native natural artisan cheese, cream, lamb, pork, trout, berries, honey, cider, ale and extra. At Honeydale Farm, you’ll be taught in regards to the sustainable farming practices that native farmers pleasure themselves on. Discover the Cotswolds’ well-known nature reserves in addition to historical hardwood forests, wildflower meadows, marshes, streams and hedgerows, dwelling to native wildlife like foxes and badgers.
Nat Hab’s Cotswolds journey options better-known highlights (similar to Slimbridge), in addition to excursions of charming non-public properties and among the most interesting gardens within the UK. Take pleasure in guided retreats into royal gardens at Highgrove Home and estates which can be off-limits to the general public. This unique tour of English nature honors Slimbridge and the Cotswolds’ position in addressing species decline. This thriving ecosystem has stood as a testomony to conservation values and practices and has influenced world efforts to guard very important landscapes and wildlife.
Child Greylag goslings consuming daisies in a meadow throughout spring on the WWT in Slimbridge.
