Do you have what it takes to become a Wetland ranger?
EXAMINING moth traps, ringing birds, and even sweeping up… all tasks that are part and parcel of the work of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) rangers.
And, this summer, families can learn more about them by becoming Junior Wetland Rangers at seven of the WWT’S centres.
It’s a chance to have fun and follow in the footsteps of real-life rangers, as well as help them on their daily mission to save wetland nature.
By picking up a free trail card, families can set off for a full day of discovery and adventure, learning how to care for – and protect – the beautiful wetlands with a variety of activities including:
Animal health checks: Find out how WWT keeps our feathered friends safe and healthy, and have a go at things like weighing a goose, measuring a swan, and giving a flamingo a check up.
Pond exploring: See how many different species you can identify.
Moth mornings: Get involved in survey work and explore moth traps to learn about the different species.
Bird ringing: Discover what leg rings are and why they’re important. You can have a go at measuring, weighing and ringing a bird.
Animal tracking and discovery: Learning and looking for signs and clues left by wildlife.
John Arbon, one of WWT’S wetland rangers, says: “I love being a wetland ranger and helping to care for our amazing wildlife. We thought families would welcome the chance to experience what it’s like to be a ranger through special fun-packed, mini adventures, which include activities that I do as part of my dayto-day job.
“Hopefully, we’ll also inspire some of our younger visitors to become the wetland rangers of the future, helping to create a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.”
Activities vary between centres, go to wwt.org.uk/wetland-rangers
Hopefully, we’ll also inspire some of our younger visitors to become the wetland rangers of the future... WWT Ranger John Arbon