Volunteers are needed to tell the story of the UK’s smallest and rarest swans which are making their way to the Fens by flying hundreds of miles from Russia.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust are looking for more volunteers to share the birds’ story with an expected rise in visitors thanks to pilot Sacha Dench who is currently in a paramator joining the Bewick’s on their 7,000km journey back to the Fens.
Chris Cavalier, WWT Volunteering Development Officer, said: “Welney attracts the highest number of Bewick’s swans that overwinter in the UK. “We’re hoping to attract new volunteers as interest in Sacha’s Flight of the Swans project reaches new heights.
“By supporting WWT people will have the chance to inspire visitors about the conservation work that the organisation carries out, from researching migration routes to helping endangered species such as the Madagascan pochard and the spoon-billed sandpiper.
“WWT is committed to raising awareness of the important role that wetlands play in today’s society, and in the wealth of species we have here in the UK.
“The support of volunteers is key to our work, at home and abroad, and we welcome applications from people of all ages and from all walks of life.”
Tony Winchester, a volunteer at WWT Welney, said: “The sensation of feeding hundreds of swans and ducks that have flown to Welney from all over the continent is incredible and makes volunteering a joy.
“Helping people to connect with our amazing wildlife is so rewarding.
“From seeing families experience the flight in for the first time to seasoned enthusiasts looking out for the return of their favourite swans, the joy that these magical birds bring is truly wonderful.”
Welney provides a winter home for many of the Bewick’s which make the migration, meaning the Norfolk wetlands centre plays a vital role in supporting the endangered species.
• The aims of Sasha’s project are to identify the causes of the fall in Bewick’s, to engage local communities in conserving the species and wetland habitats and to bring together local and international conservation groups to find ways to stop the decline.
• To get involved with volunteering at WWT Welney, email www.wwt.org.uk/support/volunteer-with-wwt, email volunteer.welney@wwt.org.uk or call on0208 4094460.
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