Volunteers needed to share the Bewick’s swan story
The UK’s smallest and rarest swan is making its way to WWT Welney Wetland Centre and we need you to help us tell their incredible story.
As you may have heard, the WWT’s Flight of the Swans conservation project aims to track Bewick’s swans on migration, but we are also looking for individuals to take part in this amazing story by volunteering at your local centre.
The new project features courageous pilot Sacha Dench, who is currently flying a paramotor alongside the swans on a 7,000km journey from arctic Russia to the wetlands of the UK.
Welney provides a winter home for many of the Bewick’s which make the migration, meaning our wetland centre plays a vital role in supporting the endangered species.
The aims of the project are: to identify the causes of the fall in Bewick’s numbers, from 29,000 in 1995 to 18,000 in 2010; to engage local communities in conserving the species and wetland habitats; and to bring together local and international conservation groups to find ways to stop the decline.
Chris Cavalier, WWT Volunteering Development Officer, said:
‘We won’t be asking volunteers to go up in a paramotor, but by supporting WWT people will have the chance to inspire visitors about the conservation work that the organisation carries out, from researching migration routes to helping endangered species such as the Madagascan pochard and the spoon-billed sandpiper.
‘Welney attracts the highest number of Bewick’s swans that overwinter in the UK, and we’re also hoping to attract new volunteers as interest in Sacha’s Flight of the Swans project reaches new heights.
‘WWT is committed to raising awareness of the important role that wetlands play in today’s society, and in the wealth of species we have here in the UK. The support of volunteers is key to our work, at home and abroad, and we welcome applications from people of all ages and from all walks of life.’
Tony Winchester, Volunteer at WWT Welney, said:
‘The sensation of feeding hundreds of swans and ducks that have flown to Welney from all over the continent is incredible and makes volunteering a joy.
‘Helping people to connect with our amazing wildlife is so rewarding. From seeing families experience the flight in for the first time to seasoned enthusiasts looking out for the return of their favourite swans, the joy that these magical birds bring is truly wonderful’.
Making the connection between people and wildlife with inspiring stories and amazing experiences is a vital element to the recovery of a declining species. To get involved with volunteering opportunities at WWT Welney, you can:
- Click here to view the opportunities - www.wwt.org.uk/support/volunteer-with-wwt
- Email us - volunteer.welney@wwt.org.uk
- Or call us - 0208 4094460
