Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Membership

 
 
The 2nd February is World Wetlands Day - read all about it here.

Give nature lovers a Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) Membership
 
The WWT is a leading conservation organisation preserving wetlands for wildfowl & people worldwide. As such, it is committed to the survival of wetlands and those who depend on them. The WWT has a network of visitor centres in the UK, (London, Llanelli in South Wales, Arundel in Sussex, Welney in Norfolk,Washington in Tyne & Wear, Castle Espie in County Down, Caerlaverock in Dumfrieshire, Martin Mere in Lancashire, & Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.
 
What are wetlands?

Wetlands are worldwide, and they cover peat bogs and mudflats, estuaries and huge deltas, coral reefs, marshes, mangroves, lakes and rivers.  People and wildlife rely on them, and have done so for thousands of years.  They are incredibly effective carbon sinks, they can store rainwater and protect coasts from flooding and reduce storm surges.   They hold most of our fresh water and improve the quality of it by filtering pollutants naturally.  You can find out more about the importance of wetlands here.   But they are under threat, from invasive species, unsustainable development, climate change and pollution.  
 
On the 2nd February, it's World Wetlands Day and this year, the emphasis is on the link between human wellbeing and wetlands.  WWT are emphasising the way that wetlands can be great stress busters - perhaps enjoying the stillness of a lake, the babbling of a brook, the awesome sight of a starling murmuration.  
What your loved one will get with a WWT Membership
 
  • Unlimited visits to all WWT wetland sites throughout the year
  • Welcome pack including discounted entry vouchers for family and friends
  • Waterlife magazine for the latest news and in-depth wetland conservation features
  • The knowledge you're these super ecosystems - and they really need all our support.
There are memberships for individuals, joint, families,  young people and a life membership (that one is for two adults).  From £4.50 a month.
 
 
Join the WWT
More about the WWT
 
This is an excellent gift to give anyone who loves nature & wildlife.  Wetlands are all too often mistakenly seen as wastelands - but they make a key contribution to the wellbeing of both the animals living on & around them and our own human heatlh.  Sadly half the world's wetlands have already been lost in the last century and so vital action is needed to protect them.

Wildlife to be found in wetlands include ducks, geese, swans, birds, flamingoes, otters, beavers, water voles, dragonflies, frogs & rare plant life.  The WWT works with other wetlands conservation organisations in the world, and is involved in learning for life, providing initiatives to connect people with nature so that they might be better able to understand the importance of weltands to wildlife and people alike.

Its Strategy to 2030
 
In October 2023, the WWT published its strategy to take it to 2030.  Called Wetlands are the Way, WWT says its mission is "to restore wetlands and unlock their power" whilst its vision is "a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives."  It has a three pronged approach:
  • To restore and create bigger, better, more connected wetlands. 
  • To inspire more people to value, act for and benefit from wetlands
  • To become a more thriving, sustainable and effective organisation 
Take a look at their videos showing you the beauty of nature and wildlife - all from home!  With stunning autumn colours, a babbling river, migrating birds, it's a great way to get away from it all.  One of the videos is of starling murmurations, too!   See the video here.  Enjoy!