Why WWT Slimbridge is called the birthplace of modern conservation
On a bright December morning in 1945 two men watched a large flock of geese feeding on the banks of the river Severn in Gloucestershire. As they watched they noticed that the flock contained several different species of geese.
One man’s vision
On a bright December morning in 1945 two men watched a large flock of geese feeding on the banks of the river Severn in Gloucestershire. As they watched they noticed that the flock contained several different species of geese. Then in the bright sunlight they saw something very special. Two geese with the unmistakable golden eye-rings of lesser-white fronted geese. It was the first time the species had been recorded in the UK since 1886.
In the bright sunshine the yellow eye-rings were very distinct and called forth the remark that they were shining like golden sovereigns.
Sir Peter Scott was one of the men on the bank that morning and it was this sighting that inspired him to set up his wildlife trust where WWT Slimbridge sits today, on the banks of the River Severn. He described it as an avian Serengeti.
Inspiring the conservationists of the future
Sir Peter Scott knew how to take action and how to inspire others. His vision was to provide a safe haven for wild birds but also to bring people closer to nature. He understood that people and nature are part of the same intertwined ecosystem. He realised – ahead of his time – that our wealth, our health and our emotional wellbeing all depend on the natural world. He understood that showing people how amazing nature is, can ignite a passion to conserve it.
Continuing Scott’s legacy
Slimbridge 75 continues Sir Peter Scott’s work, bringing his vision into the 21st century. Visitors can discover more about our international conservation work, the pioneering techniques we use to bring wildlife back from the brink and our work to reverse the decline of valuable wetlands.
Yet at its core WWT’s work continues to be about inspiring each and every person to take action for wildlife and the natural world. At a time when this is more important than ever, Slimbridge 75 will bring visitors even closer to the wonders of the natural world, inspiring the next generation of wildlife champions.
The golden goose
Each exhibit tells an important part of the WWT story. Scott’s Goose Challenge takes the inspiration of the lesser white-fronted geese and brings it into an immersive exhibit that will help visitors understand the significance of Slimbridge as the birthplace of conservation.
To the untrained eye the lesser white-fronted goose and the European white-fronted goose look very similar. However if you look more closely you will be able to see the subtle differences. Visitors can use our binoculars and telescopes in the challenge to find the rare lesser white-fronted goose by looking for the golden ring around its eyes.
Find out more about Scott's Goose Challenge at WWT Slimbridge
