International recognition for WWT Welney Wetland centre

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's centre at Welney has been recognised as one of the world’s best wetland visitor centres.

Their success was announced at the Conference of the global Wetlands Convention, known as Rasmar COP14, under-way in Geneva, Switzerland, this week.

The Star Wetland Centre Award is a new initiative to recognise best practice in eco-tourism and education at wetlands. It is coordinated by Wetland Link International (WLI), a support network for staff and volunteers at 300 wetland visitor centres.

WWT Welney Wetland centre is one of 23 award winners who have been selected by an international panel of experienced wetlands professionals.

“We are delighted to have been recognised as a Star Wetland Centre at WWT Welney”, says Leigh Marshall, centre manager.

“We witness how vital protected wetlands are for the thousands of wild Bewick’s and Whooper swans who arrive in spectacular flocks each winter through to the rare black-tailed godwits that breed on a handful of sites in the Fens each spring.

"Our wetlands provide vital homes, food and water for an abundance of wildlife, including insects and plantlife. It is a pleasure for our team of staff and volunteers to share it all with visitors to Welney."

Chris Rostron, head of WLI and leader of the Star Awards Process, said:“The judges were particularly struck by the high quality conservation actions, especially for waterbirds."

The Stars have been awarded to twenty-three wetland visitor centres around the world, at a ceremony at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, Ramsar COP14.

Anna Bennett, tourism and town centre manager for nearby Ely commented: “Ely, East Cambridgeshire and The East of England have many wonderful things to capture the imagination of the local residents and the visitors. The Welney Wetland Centre is one of the finest. This news and accolade are truly and richly deserved."