Wayne's wetland connection
“WWT Slimbridge truly is a beacon of hope and joy in Gloucestershire.”
We recently welcomed a group of residents from Abbeymead Lodge, a care home in Gloucester, run by Rehability UK, for a few nature-filled days out at our centre.
But for one resident, these visits have become something much more. Wayne Wells has found a deep, lasting connection with our wetlands and his love for the reserve has grown so much that he’s now become a WWT Life Member, ensuring his link with the wetlands will last a lifetime.
Mark Gale, a support worker at Abbeymead Lodge, shared how much the trips mean to the group:
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.
Louise Minshell, Registered Manager at Abbeymead Lodge, added:
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 means we always encourage the people we support to pursue meaningful interests. WWT Slimbridge truly is a beacon of hope and joy in Gloucestershire.
We’ve worked hard to make WWT Slimbridge an accessible and inclusive day out for everyone, and we're constantly updating and developing the site and the pre-visit information we provide. We've been really proud to be recognised with awards including the VisitEngland Award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, but it's stories like Wayne's that make the work worthwhile, knowing our wetlands bring so much joy - that's what it's all about.
