TV wildlife presenter Mike Dilger visited Welney Wetland Centre on Friday to promote World Wetlands Day.

Cambs Times: TV presenter Mike Dilger at the Welney Wetland Centre .Picture: Steve Williams.TV presenter Mike Dilger at the Welney Wetland Centre .Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Dilger has been raising money for WWT’s conservation work in the UK and around the world including WWT’s project to save the spoon-billed sandpiper.

Cambs Times: TV presenter Mike Dilger at the Welney Wetland Centre .Picture: Steve Williams.TV presenter Mike Dilger at the Welney Wetland Centre .Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

It is one of the world’s rarest and most unusual birds but there are probably less than 100 pairs left.

Dilger, who has completed a marathon tour of all nine UK UK Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust visitor centres, urges everyone to explore their local wetland.

He said: “Water is vital for life. There’s obviously lots of it in wetlands and that’s why there’s so much great wildlife too. So put on your boots and raincoat and see what you can find.

“Many people might not realise the UK has more wetlands that are globally designated as being of international importance than any other country.

“The UK is one of the world’s great places to experience the spectacle of thousands of swans, geese and ducks grazing across a dramatic and beautiful wetland landscape. “In nine days I’ve seen something different and amazing at every WWT centre. Seeing wetlands at a visitor centre has the added advantage of feeling extra-safe and having somewhere dry and a nice cup of tea after having fun.”

Wetlands are among the most abundant habitats in the world.

Ponds, lakes, marshes, riverbanks and moors are great places to spot the likes of dragonflies, water voles, otters and swans.

For details of locations and what’s on at each centre visit http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/