Education, research and passive recreation: an integrated programme at the Wetlands Centre, Shortland

The Wetlands Centre at Shortland, NSW, Australia, is a centre for education, research and passive recreation in wetland settings operated by a community conservation organization in co‐operation with the state Department of School Education and with close ties with the University of Newcastle. The centre has a building well equipped with facilities and resources for environmental education, set in close proximity to a diversity of readily accessible outdoor field‐study sites. It conducts formal school, non‐formal youth and adult community on‐site programmes as well as outreach initiatives. Scientific principles underpin these programmes. Ornithological research carried out has a strong community‐involvement component and the outcomes and methodology of the research provide input to the environmental education process.