Reserve Manager, Dave Paynter, shortlisted in VisitEngland's annual Tourism Superstar Awards

WWT Slimbridge Reserve Manager, Dave Paynter, is shortlisted in VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar Awards.

WWT Slimbridge Reserve Manager, Dave Paynter, is shortlisted in VisitEngland’s annual Tourism Superstar Awards.

Dave Paynter has reached the finals of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar award for 2023 and the final decision rests with you, the voting public.

Please get involved and vote for Dave via the Daily Mirror website, and help us thank him for everything he does, by making him the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar of 2023!

Dave has worked at Slimbridge for over 40 years and his contribution to our award-winning attraction is immense. His nomination was supported by destination organisation Cotswolds Tourism as someone who has shown dedication and passion, and for how he connects all visitors to that wildlife, expert and novice alike, through wildlife experiences and our events, as well as through YouTube and TV features.

Dave started his career at WWT as a Research Assistant, studying how wildfowl are affected by disturbance. Now his primary focus is on the reserves management. Dave manages and improves the wildlife interests of Slimbridge, and aims to get as many people to enjoy it and have memorable experiences.

One of Dave’s greatest achievements at Slimbridge was designing and overseeing the construction of the South Lake. Today it’s one of the best birding spots in the UK as it gives people close-up views of large numbers of birds including the odd rarity. More recently, Dave helped develop the 100-acre reedbed, resulting in habitat used by species such as bittern, marsh harrier, garganey and rare dragonflies.

Dave said;

I feel privileged to have been nominated for this award and to be a finalist! As the Reserve Manager at WWT Slimbridge I manage and improve the reserve for wildlife, but also aim to make wildlife accessible for everyone and for visitors to have unforgettable nature experiences. That’s what I love the most - providing everyone with amazing up close encounters with wildlife and learning just how special wetlands are for the natural world.

Sally Graff, of Cotswolds Tourism explained:

We are delighted that Dave has been shortlisted for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar awards this year and we will be actively encouraging the public and businesses across the Cotswolds to vote for him. The region has seen several finalists over the years but never an overall winner so it would be fantastic to see Dave crowned as the overall winner.

All votes will help to celebrate Dave’s enthusiasm and hard work in making the wetlands at Slimbridge an inspiring and accessible place for everyone - he is definitely a local legend, let’s make him a national superstar! Over the years, WWT Slimbridge has always been involved with Cotswolds Tourism engaging with visitors through all mediums encouraging conservation and connecting with nature. It was an honour to celebrate 75 years of this key attraction back in 2021 with the whole team of WWT Slimbridge and see all the latest developments that visitors can enjoy.

Please get involved and vote for Dave via the Daily Mirror website, and help us thank him for everything he does, by making him the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar of 2023!

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