At Watatunga, we believe that conservation and research only have true impact when they are shared beyond the boundaries of the reserve. No matter how valuable our findings are, they can’t drive change unless they reach and inspire the wider public. Education is therefore a core pillar of our mission as we aim to inspire the next generation of conservationists and inform the wider public about the importance of protecting wildlife. We use a range of educational methods to reach diverse audiences and to ensure that our message is as far reaching as possible; these include school trips, giving talks at conferences and hosting events with local conservation groups. We also use each tour as an opportunity to educate the public about the conservation and research being conducted at Watatunga. Through education, we connect people to the natural world and show how local action can contribute to global biodiversity goals. It’s not just about what we protect, it’s about who we inspire to protect it too.

Our impact extends beyond the reserve through active partnerships with local groups such as the Gaywood Valley Conservation Group and HPCA. Watatunga staff volunteer time, skills, and resources to support community-led conservation initiatives. Local groups play a crucial role in maintaining ecological networks and corridors that connect fragmented habitats, which is vital for species movement and survival. By working together with these groups, we help ensure that wildlife has the best chance to flourish- not just within Watatunga, but across the wider landscape. We’re always looking to build new connections, if you’re part of a local sustainability or wildlife-focused group, from litter picking to habitat surveys, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s through on-the-ground support or helping raise awareness via social media, we’re committed to strengthening community-based conservation.