A Day at WWT Slimbridge: Young Carers Find Joy and Confidence

3rd August 2026

Our young carers come from all walks of life. Some support parents managing illness or disability, others care for siblings, and many juggle multiple responsibilities at home. Days away from these pressures give them the chance to focus on themselves, spend time with others who understand their experiences, and simply enjoy being young.

On 27th May, ten young carers took a well-earned break from their caring responsibilities to spend the day at WWT Slimbridge, a 120-acre wetland centre in Gloucestershire, renowned for its peaceful surroundings and diverse wildlife.

How the Day Unfolded

The group arrived at 10:30 am and began their visit exploring the reserve, spending time outdoors and enjoying the different areas around Slimbridge. They particularly enjoyed spending time in the North America area, where they had the chance to climb trees, explore, and connect with nature in their own way.

At 11:30 am, they gathered for the Otter Feed, which quickly became one of the highlights of the day and sparked plenty of wonder and excitement. After lunch at the kiosk, the group enjoyed a guided walk around the reserve, discovering more about the wetlands and the environment around them, before ending the afternoon with the Bird Show.

Throughout the day, young carers had opportunities to relax, explore, and experience new things away from their usual routines. Two young carers showed real courage by overcoming personal challenges in different ways. One young carer overcame her anxiety by getting up on stage during the bird demonstration and performing a bird dance in front of everyone. Another young carer, who had previously found speaking to new people difficult, built her confidence by approaching a member of staff and asking questions about the birds.

Another young carer, who had been fascinated by poisonous frogs, had the opportunity to see them in real life at the Amphibian House, a dream realised and a special moment of discovery.

Perhaps most importantly, the day gave young carers the opportunity to make new friends, grow in confidence, and discover that they could do brave things. Even when the heat of the day brought challenges, the group stayed together and supported each other throughout.

A Day of Discovery

The visit gave young people the opportunity to step away from their usual routines, spend time outdoors, and connect with nature in a fun and relaxed environment. Exploring WWT Slimbridge allowed them to try new experiences, spend time together, build confidence, and enjoy moments of curiosity, laughter, and discovery.

"Being chased by ducks!"

When asked what they enjoyed most about the activity, the otters were a clear favourite. Young people shared highlights including "Otters," "The frogs and the otter," "Eating and otters," and "When the otter was fed." They also enjoyed "The bird show," "Cool animals," and seeing the "Flamingos." One young person said, "I saw a very cute mouse thing :)," while another memorable moment was simply described as "Being chased by ducks!"

The day also created opportunities for learning and discovery. Young people shared that they learned "how long otters can breathe for," about "breeds of flamingos," and that "the big bird is from Africa." One young person reflected that it was their "First time seeing flamingos in the UK."

The visit also encouraged young people to try something new. When asked what they had done for the first time, responses included "climbed a tree" and "got chased by ducks," capturing the fun, confidence, and sense of adventure throughout the day.

The Impact

The visit to WWT Slimbridge gave our young carers valuable time away from their caring roles: time to explore, laugh, make friends, and focus on themselves. Through new experiences and shared moments, they built confidence, created positive memories, and discovered that they can do brave things.

Most importantly, the day gave young carers space to simply be themselves and remember that there is a world of wonder beyond their caring responsibilities. Days like this provide a chance to experience joy, try something new, and create memories that they can carry with them long after the visit ends.

Words: Ankita Paryani | Young Carers Sessional Worker | Carers Support

Pictures: Tina Gue | Invisible Army