THE Prince of Wales visited Slimbridge Wetland Centre to mark the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s 70th anniversary.

Prince Charles, president of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, toured the former house of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott yesterday, and met his son, Falcon Scott.

Upon entering the house, which has been kept exactly how Sir Peter left it, the Prince commented: “I don’t know how you get any work done here with all that going on outside.”

While talking to Falcon and Martin Spray, chief executive of WWT, the Prince shared his concern about the falling numbers of Bewick swans, which he has often seen in Scotland.

The Prince of Wales signed a guestbook in the house which already contains signatures from Queen Elizabeth in 1950 and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1949.

He then marvelled at the views across the centre’s 667-acre grounds from the top of the Severn observatory tower, taking great interest in how the wetlands were maintained, whilst talking to Kevin Peberdy, chief operating officer for WWT.

He said: “It’s a big inspiration, and very much validation of all the hard work we have done, it’s great to hear his passion for climate change and conservation.”

Sir Peter founded WWT at Slimbridge in 1946 and it is referred to as the home of modern conservation.

Dr Matthew Simpson, associate director of the WWT, said: “The royal family have always been big supporters of our work, and particularly Prince Charles, who was talking to me all about flood prevention in the wetlands.”

The Prince of Wales, who has been president of the WWT since 1979, said: “This trust is only two years older than me so I feel something of an affinity with it.

“It’s extraordinary to see the development of all the wetland sites around the country.

“And that you are able to encourage and maintain these sites for so many people and wildfowl who are under threat.”

He spoke of the dedication and devotion of the volunteers who help run the WWT, chatting to one long-serving volunteer, 66-year-old Dot Jones from Stroud, who said: “He was very interested in finding out about the hard work that the volunteers put in, he’s very knowledgeable about climate change and conservation.”

The crowning glory of his landmark visit was the cutting of the 70th anniversary cake, made by Pat-a-Cakes in Cam and adorned with Bewick swans, pintails, a frog and a water vole.