Why WWT Slimbridge is called the birthplace of modern conservation

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.

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

WWT Slimbridge continues Sir Peter Scott’s work, bringing his vision into the 21^st 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 brings visitors even closer to the wonders of the natural world, inspiring the next generation of wildlife champions.

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