The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading UK-based international conservation charity founded in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott. Its core mission is to protect, create, and restore wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people. WWT argues that wetlands are "super-powered" solutions to modern environmental crises, acting as carbon sinks, flood mitigators, and water purifiers.
Core Areas of Work
Wetland Restoration & Creation (The "Blue Recovery"): WWT has an ambitious goal to create or restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands across the UK by 2050 to fight climate change and biodiversity loss. This includes major projects like the Steart Marshes, which uses saltmarsh to protect homes from flooding, store carbon, and provide habitats.
Species Conservation: WWT protects endangered species by managing breeding programmes and restoring habitats. Key projects include reintroducing the Eurasian crane to the UK, saving the Spoon-billed sandpiper, and protecting the Madagascar pochard.
Scientific Research: The charity uses evidence-based science to monitor ecosystem health, track migratory bird populations (such as Bewick's swans), and study the effectiveness of wetlands in sequestering carbon.
Public Engagement & Education: WWT operates 10 wetland visitor centres across the UK (including Slimbridge, London, and Martin Mere), attracting over one million visitors annually. These sites are designed to reconnect people with nature, providing experiences like pond dipping and, bird watching.
Advocacy & Policy: WWT campaigns for better environmental policies, such as pushing for a ban on lead ammunition in wetlands to prevent bird poisoning.
Future Strategy (to 2030)
WWT's current strategy focuses on three main pillars:
Restore: Creating larger, more connected, and healthier wetlands.
Inspire: Building a movement of one million people in the UK taking action for wetlands.
Thrive: Building a sustainable, effective, and diverse organization.