A new Shepherd’s Hut at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s Slimbridge reserve, was officially opened by WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray and MITC Chairman Brian Larkin this September.

Located near the Severn estuary at the trust’s Gloucestershire reserve, and built with £20,000 of MITC funding, the hut is just one element of a wider makeover at Slimbridge taking place over the next two years. Open to the public next spring, the Shepherd’s Hut will offer birdwatchers and photographers shelter whilst enjoying views of the wild floodplain of the Severn and the birds and wildlife living there.

The hut is the second project that MITC have been able to assist the trust with, following a donation of £20,000 last year to create a new ‘Pocket Park’ at Temple Wood, as part of the trust’s wider Transforming Slough community project.

General Manager at the WWT Gary Haseley-Nejrup said:

“The Shepherd’s Hut looks fantastic and everyone is going to get the most sensational views of the Severn – while offering shelter from the rain. We’ll have on-hand guides to help novices identify wetland birds and information on the estuary with the second highest tidal range in the world.”

Brian Larkin, Chairman of Moto in the Community said:

“We are thrilled to have been able to help The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust with such a fantastic project. The Shepherd’s Hut is a fitting addition to this wonderful reserve and we hope that many, many visitors will enjoy using it.”