Meet The Team: John Gowland - Reserve Manager

As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to bring you the latest in our Meet the Team series. At the heart of WWT Washington is not only its stunning wetlands and diverse wildlife but also the dedicated team who care for it all. In this edition, we’re thrilled to introduce John Gowland, our Reserve Manager, whose passion for conservation and expertise in habitat management play a key role in keeping the reserve thriving.

With more than 16 years of experience, John plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems, ensuring a safe haven for the incredible array of species that call the wetlands home. From overseeing habitat restoration projects to supporting breeding programs for endangered species, every day brings new challenges and rewards.

Join us as we dive into a Q&A with John to learn more about their journey, their favourite moments on the reserve, and what makes WWT Washington such a special place to work and visit.

Hi John! Let’s start with how long you have worked at WWT Washington?

Hello! Yes, well I have a long history working for WWT but in my current role at Washington it is 16 years.

What inspired you to become a Reserve Manager?

As far back as I can remember I have always been passionate about the natural world. I found out quickly that it was birds that really got me! Instead of photos/pictures of footballers, cars, or pop stars on my bedroom wall, for me it was all about collecting photos or pictures of all the different British bird species and pinning them up!

At the age of around 11 or 12, me and a friend from school would visit WWT Washington. We would usually do a lap of the bird collection taking in all the amazing collection birds from around the world and daydream one day we might see some of the exotic birds in the wild in their native country!

We would make sure we stopped off at Hawthorn Wood hide - the wild bird feeding station - and soak up the wonderful array of woodland birds such as the bullfinch, willow tit, great-spotted woodpecker and, at the time for Washington, the scarce nuthatch which was always a treat to connect with. Then we would head down to Wader Lake for some water bird action, making lists of the birds we spotted, such as lapwing, redshank and snipe. I could not of imagined back in the late 80s or early 90s that Wader Lake would become home to breeding avocet, which was still a mega rare bird in the Northeast back then!

I also took the opportunity to volunteer at the wetland centre, so Saturday visits became my volunteering day! During the spring and summer, I would help at the duckery and during the autumn and winter I would be involved with looking after the reserve habitat, such as helping with tree work, coppicing and pollarding as well as tree planting.

When I was approaching the end of my school life, I was fortunate enough to be offered a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) which was an on-the-job training course for school leavers. During this time, I learnt so much about bird husbandry and habitat management. No two days were the same. I was involved in driving tractors, managing vegetation, helping with bird feeds and raising ducklings.

At the end of my YTS I decided I would try my hand at a catering course - as I was inspired by a then young Jamie Oliver and his casual approach to cuisine! It was perfect timing as the then new Sunderland University St Peter's Campus was being built and had started setting up a catering facility within the campus, so the NVQs level 1 and 2 that I'd achieved in Hospitality and catering came in very handy!

This worked well as I was offered a term time job at the St Peter's Campus but could still offer my services at WWT Washington during the summer university break. I really enjoyed my catering years, but the pull of the natural world was strong!

In early 2000, the newly opened WWT London Wetland Centre were looking to recruit a reserve warden, so, I applied for the job and was offered the position! Without hesitation I moved to London to start my new conservation adventure at the new site. I gained a huge amount of experience in habitat management, managing volunteers, staff and contractors during my time there and I also gained the senior reserve warden position.

In 2008, an opportunity arose to manage the WWT Washington reserve. For me this was an opportunity too good to miss. Washington Wetland Centre was where working in conservation really began for me, and this was now my opportunity to manage the reserve that I had once volunteered at as a young person.

Can You describe a typical day for you?

No two days are ever the same as a reserve manager, and that’s what makes the role so exciting. One day usually begins with opening the site, performing essential safety checks like inspecting fences, and ensuring paths and play areas are clean and safe for visitors.

Another part of the job involves office-based tasks, such as communicating with the team and other departments via email, planning upcoming tasks, and organising habitat management projects.

Out on-site, I might be monitoring species such as great-crested newts or breeding birds and collecting data to inform conservation efforts. Hands-on habitat management is also a big part of my work -creating homes for wildlife by building hibernaculums, installing nest boxes, or maintaining sand martin and kingfisher banks.

I’m also fortunate to lead incredible projects, such as the desilting of Wader Lake or the willow tit conservation project. This often involves project management, coordinating with contractors, and working closely with partners such as Natural England and the Environment Agency to align with countryside stewardship goals.

And of course, there’s always something new and unexpected that requires attention - whether it’s addressing an issue affecting the reserve or responding to developments on-site. It’s this variety and purpose that make every day so fulfilling!

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

For me, the most rewarding part is planning and delivering habitat management work like preparing grasslands and managing island vegetation. There’s nothing quite like seeing species such as lapwings and avocets nesting in the areas we’ve carefully managed for them - it brings me immense joy and a deep sense of accomplishment.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work at a wetland on a reserve and become a reserve manager?

My advice would be to start by gaining hands-on experience through volunteering at a nature reserve, if possible. This is a fantastic way to build practical skills and deepen your understanding of conservation work. Consider expanding your knowledge further by enrolling in countryside management courses, either online or in person.

For those looking to take the first step into the field, applying for nature warden or ranger apprenticeships, placements, or entry-level reserve warden roles is a great way to get started. Once you’ve built up experience and honed your skills in a ranger or warden role, you can aim for the next step - a management position, such as a reserve manager. With dedication and passion, the opportunities in conservation are endless!

What are some of the challenges you face on the reserve?

Managing a reserve comes with its share of challenges. Extreme weather events such as flash flooding or prolonged periods of dry, warm weather can have significant impacts on habitats and wildlife.

Another ongoing issue is dealing with non-native invasive species that can outcompete native flora and fauna, disrupting the delicate ecosystem balance.

Additionally, avian influenza (AI / bird flu) poses a serious threat to bird populations, requiring constant vigilance and swift action to protect the species that call the reserve home.

Each of these challenges demands careful planning, adaptive management, and collaboration to ensure the reserve remains a thriving environment for wildlife.

Are there any success stories you could share about species recovery or habitat restoration at WWT Washington?

One of our most rewarding successes has been seeing the great-crested newt (G.C.N) expand its range across the reserve. We’ve put significant effort into creating and restoring ponds, which has provided these newts with new areas to colonise and thrive. It’s been incredible to witness their progress.

Another highlight has been the construction of an artificial sand martin bank. Watching these fascinating birds use the bank successfully has been a real triumph for our habitat restoration efforts. It’s always fulfilling to see the tangible impact of our work in supporting wildlife recovery and growth.

Are there any endangered or vulnerable species that call this reserve home?

Yes, WWT Washington is home to several protected species. We proudly support populations of the Eurasian otter, great-crested newt, and, at last count, seven different species of bat. Our reserve also provides a safe haven for several red-listed bird species, including the willow tit, lapwing, and curlew. These species are vital to our conservation efforts, and we are committed to creating the ideal habitats for their continued survival.

If you could swap roles for one day with a co-worker, who would it be and why?

I truly believe I have one of the best jobs, but if I had the chance to switch roles for a day, I’d choose to work with the marketing team. It would be a refreshing change to focus on promoting and highlighting the incredible wildlife, bird species, and animals that call Washington home. I’d also love to shine a light on the dedicated staff and volunteers who make this place so special. It’s a great opportunity to showcase all the hard work that goes into making the reserve what it is!

Do you have a favourite species or mammal on site?

My favourite would probably be the Eurasian otter. Throughout my conservation journey, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the otter return to the River Wear. What was once a rare sight is now becoming more common, and watching their comeback has been amazing. While they’re still elusive and difficult to spot, I love searching for their tracks and signs. Over the past decade, we’ve worked hard to create a saline lagoon that connects to the river at high tides, giving the otters access to this part of the reserve. Additionally, we’ve added artificial holts to provide them with safe spaces to rest and breed. It’s fulfilling to see these efforts support the otters' recovery and help them thrive once again.

What do you hope to see in terms of conservation on the reserve over the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5-10 years, I hope that the conservation efforts we’re undertaking today will continue to protect and provide a home for nature. It’s important to me that visitors will still connect with the natural world and have the opportunity to encounter some of our key protected and rare species.

Looking ahead, projects like the restoration of wet woodlands and the desilting of Wader Lake will play a vital role in improving the local environment. I’m excited to see how these initiatives, along with ongoing habitat management, will continue to make a positive impact on both the wildlife and the reserve as a whole.

What’s the best spot-on site to you?

I have many favourite spots on the reserve, and they often change with the seasons, but Wader Lake is probably my overall winner. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to spot numerous rare bird species there, a true testament to the hard work we’ve put into habitat management. One of the highlights is watching the breeding waders on the lake in spring, and in winter, seeing hundreds of curlews fly in to roost on Wader Meadow. It’s a breathtaking sight and a reminder of the positive impact our conservation efforts have on the wildlife here.

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