“This expedition is marvellously imaginative and adventurous, and a fitting project in WWT’s 70th anniversary. Peter Scott did similar in his day and inspired the world. That swans should fly from Russia, to come here, is surely a kind of parable - we can live in harmony with nature, and it’s up to us to do so.”
Sir David Attenborough – Broadcaster
Dame Judi Dench – Actress
Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Explorer
“I am proud to be a Vice President of WWT, because it is an organisation that combines excellent public engagement with proactive, practical and often bold conservation. The Flight of the Swans expedition encapsulates WWT's remit – a remarkable and original way of telling the story of the journey of the Bewick's swans, of learning more about them and passing that knowledge on. This is an enormously brave and exciting undertaking, and one I believe Peter Scott, the founder of WWT, would have thoroughly approved of.”
Kate Humble – Broadcaster
“Story makers” as opposed to “story tellers” are of that rare breed who have a powerful ability to act as a rallying point for important issues. It strikes me that this project with Sacha’s creative paramotoring plans are definitely the “story makers” for this important Bewick’s story. This feat of human endurance – an individual paramotoring 7000 km over some remarkably inhospitable terrain and weather conditions – will mirror the gruelling annual undertaking of the Bewick’s as they leave their breeding grounds in the Arctic Tundra and head for wintering spots in the UK and nearby. The direct communication with communities along the route, and massive media coverage on an international scale, will undoubtedly focus attention and efforts on helping to prevent the decrease in the Bewick’s swan population.”
Pen Hadow – Polar Explorer
“This project is truly admirable in both its conception and its ambitions. It is a really unique idea and as such I think will draw a great deal of attention to the plight of the Bewick’s. There will no doubt be gruelling moments for Sacha! However, she’s dedicated to the cause and fully committed and I have every confidence that the project will be a great success – both in generating a lot of public attention but also helping the communities along the flyway to better understand the importance of looking after these beautiful and iconic swans.”
Ann Daniels – Polar Explorer
“This is a combination of adventure and conservation mixed with a bit of James Bond! It’s partly a race to save a species but also a race against the elements. There’s a great element of romance – with the iconic Bewick’s Swan – merged with a great feat of human endurance. I wish Sacha well on her four and a half thousand mile journey with what is really no more than a lawn mower engine strapped to her back! Brave indeed. A really original idea with adventure thrown in will hopefully get the attention needed to help these swans survive well into the future.”
Charlie Paton – Polar Explorer
How you can help
WWT's pioneering conservation work continues, saving endangered wildlife and the wetlands they need to survive.