The Fascination of Reedbeds walks at WWT London Wetland Centre, WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes, London

What/Why:

Reedbeds provide vital habitats for an array of wildlife from the secretive bittern to songful warblers, but they have many human uses too. For starters, the edible rhizomes are a starch-rich food source.

Historically, reeds were used for thatching and in the creation of many everyday items such as paper, pen nibs and mouthpieces for wind instruments. A more modern use of reedbeds is their role in phytoremediation – cleaning waste water.

Join us on a walk around the wetlands to explore the different aspects and functions of reedbeds and even try your hand at writing with a reed pen.

The walk is free with entry to the Centre and you don’t need to book.

This walk is part of the first international Fascination of Plants Day.

Image: reeds – Nick Cottrell