Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Slimbridge wetland marks 80 years as WWT calls for global restoration
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is marking 80 years of its Slimbridge reserve in Gloucestershire, England.
Naturalist Peter Scott founded the reserve in 1946 after seeing migrating swans and geese on the wetlands beside the River Severn.
It grew into a refuge for birds and part of Scott’s wider work in conservation.
WWT says wetlands can absorb carbon four times faster than trees, while also helping to buffer floods and purify water.
The charity says 85% of the world’s wetlands have been lost, reducing the area of these habitats.
WWT is calling for one million hectares of wetlands to be restored worldwide to help protect nature and tackle climate change.
WWT now runs 10 wetland bird reserves across the UK, and the restoration call sets out what it wants done next.
WWT marked 80 years since its first wetland bird reserve was founded at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.
The charity called for one million hectares of wetlands to be restored worldwide.
WWT says wetlands can absorb carbon four times faster than trees.
The charity says 85% of the world’s wetlands have been lost.
WWT now runs 10 wetland bird reserves across the UK.
- Who
- The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), led by CEO Sarah Fowler.
- What
- WWT marked the 80th anniversary of its first wetland bird reserve and called for one million hectares of wetlands to be restored worldwide.
- When
- The reserve was founded in 1946; the article was published on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, on the banks of the River Severn.
- Why
- WWT says wetlands are vital habitats that absorb carbon, buffer floods and purify water.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Naturalist Peter Scott came to a marshy area near Slimbridge and founded the reserve.
An image shows Sir Peter Scott feeding migrating swans and geese at Slimbridge.
The Hawaiian Goose population had fallen to barely 24 birds.
An image shows Peter Scott with the first nine Nēnē geese he hand-reared at Slimbridge.
WWT marked 80 years since the reserve was founded and called for one million hectares of wetlands to be restored worldwide.
- Reserve founded
- 1946
- Wetland restoration call
- One million hectares worldwide
- Wetland loss
- 85% of the world’s wetlands
- Carbon absorption
- Four times faster than trees
- UK reserves
- 10 wetland bird reserves run by WWT
What people are saying
They are mood-boosting, flood-buffering, water-purifying, incredible habitats. But we have lost 85% of the world's wetlands.
He really was a pioneer in conservation
Scott was talking about the impact that man was having on the natural world, long before we started talking about climate change and global warming.
David Attenborough called him the Patron Saint of Conservation, and I think that is more than deserved