Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) Countryside Management students have learned from the experts during a visit to the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s wetland reserve at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire.

The 12 full-time students met Senior Reserve Warden Martin McGill to hear first-hand about the site’s current management. The discussion covered a range of thought-provoking topics, including the effect of climate change on the estuary, visitor management, trends in bird population and managing diverse fresh- and salt-water habitats.

The students also had the opportunity to tour the new Estuary Tower Hide, a fully-accessible facility that offers magnificent views of the Severn Estuary and the wide variety of birds that call it home.

Student Amy Sedgbeer said

The whole wetland site is packed full of interesting collections and exhibits, including otters, flamingos and wild and resident birds. I also managed to capture a clear photograph of a kingfisher which I was really happy with!

BTC Course Leader Alan Sinclair said

We have been coming to Slimbridge for many years, and have always received a warm welcome and support for the students and their studies. Martin always delivers insightful information and an update on new site developments. The visit supports a wide range of curriculum in a spectacular setting.

Visit the Find a course page to search for Countryside Management and other land-based courses available at BTC.