Wildlife

UK Wigeon and Teal Winter Wetland Welfare

Conservation of wigeon and teal in UK winter wetlands and welfare of these migratory ducks.

Key Facts

UK hosts internationally important numbers of wigeon and teal in winter
Wet grassland flooding provides optimal foraging conditions for both species
Wigeon graze on grass as well as feeding on aquatic vegetation
Hard winters drive additional birds from continental Europe to UK wetlands
Both species benefit from the same wetland management practices

Welfare Considerations

Individual wigeon and teal depend on wet grassland and shallow wetland habitats in winter, with water level management practices directly determining their winter welfare.

What You Can Do

Support Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust wetland conservation
Visit WWT and RSPB wetland reserves to see wintering ducks
Advocate for wet grassland flooding management in conservation planning