WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

About

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is run by WWT, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity and was founded by Sir Peter Scott.  All of WWT’s Wetland Centres – including Slimbridge, exist to fulfil founder Peter Scott’s vision of connecting people with nature, so we make it a principle that our wetlands and wildlife are accessible to everyone.

WWT Slimbridge is a visitor centre and reserve, attracting over 250,000 visitors a year and set in 800 acres of wetland paradise. From families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers, there is something for everyone.

Slimbridge is home to all six species of flamingo, has a collection of birds from all over the world and marvellous mammals including harvest mice, water voles and a friendly otter. Slimbridge has accessible bird hides across the site giving views of amazing wildlife sightings on the nature reserve, on the banks of the Severn Estuary. There is also the largest collection of amphibians in Europe which you can see a selection of in Toad Hall.

Located within the main Visitor Centre there is the Kingfisher Kitchen restaurant and Gift Shop. There are also kiosks located around the site so visitors can fuel their wetland adventure.

Throughout the year there are a wide range of activities including wheelchair-accessible Wild Safari’s in the summer months to wild bird feeds in the wintertime, when the reserve is home to over 35,000 wildfowl, including the majestic Bewick’s swans. Events also take place throughout the year from birding workshops to photography courses for all ages and abilities.

Highlights for families include the Welly Boot Land and Riverlife play areas as well as Slimbridge’s very own app, Wetland Heroes. ‘Wetland Heroes’ is an interactive mobile experience that encourages visitors to explore the full extent of Slimbridge, particularly the lesser known areas through fact finding missions and fun challenges that can be played by the whole family.

In 2021 WWT and Slimbridge celebrated their 75th anniversary with the completion of the National Lottery Heritage Funded project ‘Slimbridge 75’.  The Slimbridge 75 project has transformed Slimbridge with new inspirational and immersive experiences and activities to get visitors closer to nature and to uncover the incredible life of WWT founder, Sir Peter Scott, whose legacy still drives Slimbridge and WWT’s work today.

A few of the new exhibits at Slimbridge include:

The Estuary Tower – where you can witness the magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and its wildlife. The hide is complete with a lift and has two viewing floors including an open terrace.

Mission Possible - where visitors can meet the nene, the world’s rarest goose, and learn how Sir Peter Scott brought the species back from the brink of extinction.

Scott House Museum - providing an opportunity to step back in time within the former home of Sir Peter Scott. The museum is open for intimate daily tours throughout the year providing a chance to learn how Sir Peter Scott made Slimbridge the birthplace of modern conservation and visitors can experience the magical views of the Rushy Lake from Scott’s studio.

The 360 seat open air Living Wetland Theatre where you can watch birds flying overhead and discover how species such as pelicans, a crowned crane and magpie geese are adapted to the wetlands they live in. The theatre backs on to a walk through Waterscapes Aviary where you can immerse yourself into the sights and sounds of a UK wetland, looking out for species such as little egret, smew and oystercatchers.

The Summer Walkway – during the warmer months visitors can now explore the natural wildlife and landscapes of the Severn Estuary with access to Slimbridge’s wheelchair-accessible Summer Walkway and Viewing Platform.

Slimbridge won Gold in the Inclusive and Accessibility category in the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Awards in 2021 recognising that Slimbridge provides a truly memorable visitor experience for everyone - particularly those with accessibility requirements, and demonstrates excellence across every aspect of the attraction.