Eversheds Sutherland

Supporting international grassroots action for wetlands

We believe the most effective way to save the natural world is to inspire people to fall in love with it, so we want to support wetland education centres across the world to help them thrive.

In 1991, Wetland Link International (WLI) was created by WWT with a core group of founder organisations across the world.

Today, WLI is a global support network of around 350 wetland education centres and in 2023, with funding from Eversheds Sutherland, WWT launched its first global grants scheme for WLI members.

Since 2017, WWT has partnered with Eversheds Sutherland, the global law firm, on a variety of important projects – including biodiversity studies at our 9 sites across the UK, pro bono legal support, our Wetland Growing Hub and an international grants scheme through Wetland Link International.

Eversheds Sutherland’s support facilitated the first year of the Wetland Link International Small Grants Programme, giving WWT an opportunity to provide financial support to its members. The focus of the grant criteria was CEPA – Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness projects – to fund projects driving awareness, inspiration and education projects which are spreading the word about the power of wetlands and engaging people with nature. There was a wide range of enriching engagement and education projects put forward, including video production, training guides, school visits, community radio advertising, a photography competition and even a festival!

The opportunity was well received by WLI members, with 27 applications submitted from wetland education centres from 25 countries. Seven WLI members were awarded grants of up to £2,000, to support their chosen projects. The funding from Eversheds Sutherland has made an incredible impact to inspire and educate people about the power of wetlands all over the world. Eversheds Sutherland are supporting the second year of Wetland Link International small grants in 2024, to continue to grow the international reach of their support.