Become a Member Support WWT's work for wetlands and their wildlife by becoming a member. Benefits include unlimited free admission to all WWT Centres throughout the UK and a colour quarterly magazine that will keep you up-to-date with wetland issues and activities at all WWT Centres. Adopt a duck, goose or swan and help WWT look after the tens of thousands of birds which use the Centre each year. Pick up a leaflet when you visit, or ask a member of staff at the Membership and Bird Adoption Desk, or telephone: (44) 01453 890333
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WWT Slimbridge is run by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, a charity working to save wetlands for wildlife and people. When Sir Peter Scott founded the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) in 1946, he chose Slimbridge in Gloucestershire as the location for what is now a world-renowned wetland reserve for wintering wildfowl. Since then, the visitor centre has welcomed more than 8 million people, introducing children and adults alike to the wonders of birds from all over the world. Bringing people together to experience the wonders of wetlands, and indeed the variety of wildfowl that they support, is the aim of WWT, and education is an important part of that process. The the highly successful school visits and regular themed activities provided for children during school holidays, WWT Slimbridge has long been recognised as an enjoyable way to learn about the natural environment. Now, thanks to funding from the Millennium Commission, this famous attraction is moving into an exciting new phase for the next Century. A brand new visitor centre, sustainably designed to compliment the reserve surrounding it, is due to open to the public for World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2000. Even before arriving, all visitors will encounter a Wetland landscape right beneath their feet as they approach the entrance along a raised boardwalk. Once inside they will be able to find out all about wetlands and how we depend on them for the hands-on learning equipment in the fabulous Ecological Discovery Centre, and area designed for children to guide themselves through all the information they require using the latest multi-media technology. In addition there will be education areas for organised groups and a Conservation Resource and enquiry centre where practical conservation advice will be on hand, whatever the query. Perhaps the highlight of the building itself will be the Observation Tower, providing panoramic view of the might River Severn, and at 17 metres high, will enable people to appreciate the relationship between the estuary and the wildfowl that depend on it. Equipped with a lift, this tower will allow everyone access to this marvellous sight. as well as all this of course, there will be new and improved visitors' facilities, including a new restaurant and a much larger shop to browse around. The theme of 'sustainability' has been incorporated not only into every aspect of the new building, but into the actual visitor experience as well, and we hope that people will be able to take away with them and remember just some of the things they have learnt on their visit. The Sustainable Garden exhibit, the example, demonstrates how easily water can be saved without compromising your beautiful garden features. The Reedbed Filtration system however, has a very real sustainable purpose. Whilst forming an attractive wetland habitat, the reedbed system will show how effluent and waste water from the visitor centre can be cleansed in an environmentally friendly way, and recycled water returned to the supply network at drinking water quality. Why not accept our challenge and taste it?
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