WWT

Who we are

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading UK conservation charity committed to saving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world.

Wetlands are the primary source of drinking water for people and wildlife. They also connect us with nature, and with ourselves, through beautiful landscapes and inspiring encounters with wildlife.

WWT’s ethos starts with the simple act of feeding a duck. That innocent connection with nature is more special if you’re feeding – say - the world’s rarest goose, saved from extinction by our expert aviculturists. It’s even more special if you’re surrounded by some of the UK’s top wildlife at one of our world class reserves, carefully designed and managed so wildlife will flourish.

We take this wetland expertise around the world. We rescue endangered species from the edge of extinction. We investigate what’s damaging the wetlands on which people and wildlife depend. We protect, repair and actually create exciting new wetlands for people and wildlife.

We work with communities, businesses and governments to help people live sustainably alongside wetlands, benefitting from the water, food, materials, shelter, livelihoods and enjoyment a well-managed wetland can provide.

WWT is one of the world’s leading science and conservation institutions in its field. But we’re unique because we never forget it all starts with the simple pleasures, like feeding a duck. And maybe a nice cup of tea.

WWT - Saving wetlands for wildlife and people

Achieved through:

• Inspiring people to connect with and value wetlands and their wildlife.
• Demonstrating and promoting the importance and benefits of wetlands.
• Countering threats to wetlands.
• Creating and restoring wetlands and protecting key wetland sites.
• Saving threatened wetland species. 

About WWT

Founded in 1946 by the naturalist and artist, the late Sir Peter Scott, WWT is the only UK charity with a national network of nine specialist wetland visitor centres. With over 60 years experience of wetland conservation, WWT is committed to the protection of wetlands and all that depend on them for survival.

WWT in numbers:

10 WWT Wetland Centres bring visitors and wildlife together around the most important substance in the world - water.

350 staff, including experts in plants, animals, health and water management, help communities and wildlife to live in harmony with the natural environment.

1,000 volunteers from local communities bring wetland nature alive for visitors to our Wetland Centres, and help to monitor wildlife and maintain wetland habitats.

3,000 hectares of prime wetland habitat are managed by WWT, much of it designated as nationally or internationally important for wildlife. We fence off as little as possible so you can get close to the action.

50,000 schoolchildren learn about water and the natural environment at our Wetland Centres every year, including 15,000 from disadvantaged areas through our free school visits scheme.

200,000 WWT members support our work in the UK and around the world, as part of the WWT family.

1 million visitors to our Wetland Centres are invited to get close to nature and find that personal connection between yourself and nature – either on your own or sharing the experience with the people you love.

WWT London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people. The Centre holds the Gold Award for Green Business Tourism, and in 2012 was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.

WWT London Wetland Centre 

WWT London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people. The Centre holds the Gold Award for Green Business Tourism, and in 2012 was voted Britain's Favourite Nature Reserve in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.

Volunteering with WWT. 

Volunteers play a very important role in the life of the WWT. They do not take the place of paid staff, but they contribute to the success of WWT by assisting staff in nearly every department, so there are a wide range of opportunities available.

These include welcoming our visitors, providing guided tours, maintaining and improving the grounds, recruiting new WWT members, gardening and horticulture, providing office support, getting creative with the Education team, and supporting our pioneering work on the Reserve.  There is something for everyone!

At WWT’s London Wetland Centre we have over 250 volunteers and each one is a very welcome addition to the team. Without our volunteers the centre would not be able to offer the range of activities, events and all round excellent visitor experience that it does.

Although volunteers work without financial reward there are many other ways that they benefit from becoming a WWT volunteer. Learning new skills, meeting new people, keeping fit and gaining experience in wildlife conservation are just a few. 

We provide volunteers with a WWT uniform, a discount in our café and shop, regular volunteer newsletters and support through inductions and training.

All our current volunteer opportunities are advertised on our website and we recruit volunteers to specific roles.  For each role we provide you with an indication of the activities and tasks involved, along with an outline of the skills you will need to carry it out in a role description.

We ask prospective volunteers to specify which role they are applying for and how they match the requirements for the role when submitting an application. We do not accept speculative applications.