WILDFOWL & WETLANDS TRUST

PRESERVING THE UK’S VANISHING WETLANDS

Home to 40% of the world’s wildlife, wetlands are one of the most biodiverse and precious habitats on Earth. Wetlands play a vital role by offering a lifeline to threatened species, storing carbon, buffering us from floods, reducing the impacts of drought and heatwaves, and keeping rivers clean and clear.

While we need wetlands now more than ever, the world is losing them at an alarming rate. Globally, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. The problem is particularly acute in the UK, with 75% of the country’s wetlands now gone and much of what’s left in poor condition.

Stepping in to meet this challenge is the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). Described by Sir David Attenborough as “the patron saint of conservation,” the WWT has been dedicated to protecting wetlands and the diverse species they harbor since 1946. The organization lives this vision every day by restoring habitat, inspiring new mindsets and growing a more global footprint.

The WWT’s efforts are currently focused among 10 wetland centers spanning every corner of the UK. These centers provide vital habitat for wetland wildlife while driving public awareness through seasonal activities, daily talks, tours and student outreach initiatives. Roughly 800,000 guests and 50,000 learners visit the WWT UK wetland centers each year.

Recognizing the urgent need to support this work, AKP began partnering with the WWT in 2026 as a sponsor of its UK wetland centers. In addition to joining as a corporate sponsor, AKP has provided 30 sets of special children’s binoculars for visiting school groups to use at two of the sites.

Looking forward, AKP aims to build its partnership with the WWT, including increased staff participation and the rollout of new binoculars at additional sites. Together with AKP, the WWT’s conservation projects will continue to strengthen the link between wetlands, wildlife and people — in the UK and beyond.