Membership FAQs

Want to know more about becoming a member? Or have a question about your current membership? We’re happy to help.

Thinking of joining?

How can I become a member of WWT?

There are a number of ways you can become a member of WWT. You can join at your nearest centre, over the phone (call 01453 891198), or join online. As a member, not only will you enjoy the many benefits membership brings, you will also be helping us continue our conservation work.

When can I take out a WWT membership?

Membership can be taken out at any time of year and will be valid for 12 months. WWT will notify you one month before your membership expires. We hope you will continue to support WWT because long-term support helps us to better plan for the future, respond to ever increasing environmental challenges and continue to save wetlands and wildlife for future generations. If you take out a membership as a gift, we will activate the membership at a time you choose, enabling you to buy Christmas gifts, for instance, in advance.

How long after I join will I receive my membership pack and cards?

We always strive to get your membership cards and/or pack to you as soon as possible. Membership processing times do vary throughout the year and you will be advised of this during the sign up process. Temporary membership cards/emails are always issued, allowing you to start using your membership straight away. Usual turn arounds times are around 4 weeks, this maybe longer during holiday periods. Please contact the Supporter Service team if you have any questions on 01453 891198 or membership@wwt.org.uk.

Can I Gift Aid my membership?

Yes, but you do need to be the person purchasing the membership and you need to be a UK tax payer. Unfortunately, due to the gift aid regulations, WWT is unable to claim tax on gift membership. More information is available on the HM Revenue and Customs website.

What start date should I choose for gift membership?

If you are giving WWT membership as a gift for a special occasion, such as a birthday, simply use the date of the occasion as the membership start date.

Whether you choose to have the pack sent to you or the gift recipient, we will dispatch it as soon as possible. When setting the membership start date, please note that it will take approximately 10-15 working days from the time the form is completed for the pack to arrive at the household.

You can also choose whether you would like the annual membership renewal notice to be sent to yourself or the gift recipient.

Can I become a member if I don’t live in the UK?

Yes, WWT has many members living overseas. You can join online by credit card thus avoiding difficulties with currency conversion. Unfortunately WWT cannot accept direct debit payments on bank accounts outside the UK and Northern Ireland.

If you are purchasing this for yourselves, you will still receive the quarterly magazine ‘Waterlife’ and we look forward to welcoming you at our Centres when you visit the UK. But most importantly you are supporting our conservation work around the world.

If you are living abroad, gift membership makes an ideal present for friends and family living in the UK and can be easily ordered online.

Already a member

Where can I visit?

WWT has nine UK based wetland visitor centres, which cover 2,000 hectares, including; seven Sites of Special Interest (SSI), five Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and five internationally important Ramsar sites, providing a safe haven for millions of wetland birds, animals and plants.

Do I have to take my membership card each time I visit a WWT Wetland Centre?

Yes - when visiting a WWT Wetland Centre, membership cards should be presented to the admissions desk and swiped through the till or registered with the appropriate WWT staff.

However, if you do not have your membership card to hand, you will need to pay the admission fee and keep your receipt. To claim a refund of your admission fee please either show your card and receipt next time you visit your centre, or send the receipt to the Membership Office (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT).

My membership card has been lost/stolen, how do I get a replacement card?

Please contact the membership department on 01453 891198 or membership@wwt.org.uk

What do you do with my personal information?

WWT is committed to protecting your privacy and security. We treat all personal information in accordance with UK Data Protection legislation.

I am a member, but have stopped receiving information from you?

Please contact the membership department on 01453 891198 or membership@wwt.org.uk

How do I renew my membership?

You will receive a renewal letter a month before your membership is due to expire. Alternatively you can call our membership team on 01453 891198 or email membership@wwt.org.uk (please have your membership number ready).

Where can I find the membership terms and conditions?

Our terms and conditions can be found here

Does my membership include free entry for educational visits?

free entry to members does not cover children or adults visiting as part of a pre-booked education visit. This is because a different service is being offered, usually with staff or volunteer led sessions that have extra costs attached.