WAB is based around 'collecting' Grid Squares that are formed by the Ordnance Survey Great Britain (OSGB) mapping.  Each large square represents a 100km by 100km area.  These are known as the Large Squares and each has either a single or double alphabetical reference number.  These individual squares are then subdivided into a 10km by 10km grid, known as Small Squares, again with unique references, for the purposes of WAB.  The idea is to have an on air QSO with someone in each grid and to log the QSO and grid.  Once enough have been collected, these can be submitted to the WAB organisers to collect awards and trophies.

Each WAB member pays a small membership fee (which goes towards the WAB Group presenting donations to various charities).  On becoming a member, the individual is issued with a uniquely serial numbered log book.  Members can purchase more than one log book, to further the charitable effort.  These are known as Book Numbers.  There is a sub category of WAB awards given for collecting the Book Numbers of other operators.

To assist members in collecting both Squares and Book Numbers, there are regular on air nets where details are passed between members.

There are also rewards for operators who travel to different (and often remote) squares to allow people to have QSOs with them and to obtain that Square.

Further information on WAB can be found by visiting their website here.