London Wetland Centre

Venue information

The 43 hectare London Wetland Centre is the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Created in the mid-90’s from redundant reservoirs, the centre is home to rare and beautiful wildlife including Bitterns, Kingfishers and a colony of endangered Water voles. There are 6 wildlife hides and a viewing observatory, appropriately named ‘bird airport’. As with many such locations the hides are designed more for watching birds than photographing them, which results in the need for very long telephoto lenses much of the time. Wide unobstructed views of the horizon provide great sunset shots, particularly if you can catch a flock of geese flying past at the same time.

Venue verdict: Some great opportunities, particularly if you’re willing to put in the time and effort it takes to get close enough to birds to photograph them well.

Ratings (out of five): 3