Wildlife

UK Pintail and Teal Winter Wetland Conservation

Conservation of pintail and teal in UK winter wetlands and the management practices that support them.

Key Facts

UK hosts internationally important numbers of wintering teal and pintail
Shallow flooding of wet grassland creates optimal foraging conditions for dabbling ducks
Hard winters on the continent drive large influxes to UK wetlands
Both species are sensitive to disturbance at high tide roost sites
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust manages key wetland sites for wintering ducks

Welfare Considerations

Individual wintering pintail and teal depend on shallow flooded wetlands for feeding, with water level management practices directly determining their winter welfare.

What You Can Do

Support the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust wetland conservation and management
Visit WWT reserves during winter to see pintail and teal flocks
Advocate for wet grassland management in agri-environment schemes