Care home resident finds lifelong connection at WWT Slimbridge
In the last year, WWT Slimbridge has welcomed more than 250,000 visitors through its doors.
Recently, a group of residents from Abbeymead Lodge, a care home in Gloucester run by Rehability UK, have enjoyed a few special days out on the reserve. But for one resident, the visits have sparked a life-long passion.
Wayne Wells, a passionate wildlife enthusiast, has developed a deep bond with the wetland birds at WWT Slimbridge over the years.
He said:
“I love all the ducks and geese, even the signposts that are all around here,” Wayne continued, “I’d very much like to have a one night stay here with the ducks and geese. There’s a little sleeping room here which I’d love to stay in.”
Wayne has forged such a connection with WWT Slimbridge, he has now become a WWT Life Member, ensuring his connection with the wetlands and wildlife he loves will last a lifetime.
Mark Gale, a support worker at Abbeymead Lodge, said:
“The residents absolutely love coming here with Wayne. I think it’s the space. You can get up close to nature and feed the ducks and geese. It’s very special.
“The residents get a sense of connecting with nature here. Being able to see a host of amazing wildlife on your doorstep is fantastic and the residents really appreciate it.”
Louise Minshell, the Registered Manager of Abbeymead Lodge at Rehability UK, said:
“We love the way the team at WWT Slimbridge have opened up their arms to the people we support and given them so much to experience. Our person-centred care approach dictates that we always encourage the supported individual to pursue interests that are meaningful to them.
“We whole heartedly support the way that WWT is so inclusive in hosting us and wildlife, and the ducks and geese that Wayne adores are there in that place, thanks to their conservation work. WWT Slimbridge truly is a beacon of hope and joy in Gloucestershire.”
WWT’s Visitor Experience Manager, Charlotte Stokes, said:
“We’ve spent the last few years working hard to make WWT Slimbridge as accessible and welcoming as possible for everyone, and it’s been lovely to see that recognised with awards like the Visit England Awards for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism.
“But it’s stories like Wayne’s that really stay with you. Knowing that our wetlands mean so much to him, that they bring him so much joy, that’s what it’s all about for us.”
WWT Slimbridge is a leading site for wetland conservation, and one of 10 wetland centres managed by WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. The centres welcome visitors from all walks of life, 364 days a year.
Header image: Wayne Wells enjoying a day out at WWT Slimbridge © Rehability UK
