Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

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Hover over the numbered points on the map to see pictures and more information. Click on the points to view a bigger picture.

Stream channel
Stop and take in the sights and sounds - from the bubbling waterfall to the meandering stream. Grey wagtail, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher can be spotted.
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Close Encounters
Get nose to beak with rare and endangered wildfowl, some of which will eat straight from your hand. The Hawaiian Goose, or Nene, is a curious and gentle bird, ideal for young children to feed.
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Reedbed
Framed by the breathtaking backdrop of Penshaw Monument and surrounding fields, the reed bed acts as a natural filter, removing pollutants from water entering the park.
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Hawthorn Wood Feeding Station
Witness the spectacular sight of vibrant woodland birds feeding among shady tree branches, from the seclusion of the hide. Regular feathered visitors include Great-spotted Woodpecker and Bullfinch, which are at their busiest from November to February.
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Flamingos
Successful breeding colony of colourful Chilean Flamingos, with chicks typically hatching in late summer. Find out more about what makes their plumage shocking pink, why their legs are so long and how they build volcano-shaped nests.
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Wader Lake
Stunning views of breeding and feeding wading birds, such as Common Tern, lapwing and Redshank, can be found from four lake-side hides. Also home to the largest nesting colony of Grey Herons in the North East and the most northerly hatching of Avocet chicks ever recorded (July 2006).
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Fantastic meadows
Our six meadows are home to beautiful wildflowers including Bee Orchid (Top Meadow), Oxeye daisy (White Meadow), Greater Burnet (Old Oak Meadow), Cuckoo Flower (Forgotten Meadow) and Eyebright (Corner Meadow), while pairs of breeding Lapwing live on Wader Meadow.
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Beautiful woodland
Explore the ancient woodland, dotted with bluebells and primroses, that surrounds Spring Gill or wander through Hawthorn Wood, with its specimens of old Hazel coppice and Ramson (wild garlic).
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Waterfowl Nursery
Specially designed area for public viewing. Watch fluffy ducklings take their first wobbly steps and learn about our captive breeding programmes.
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Splash Zone
Exciting wetlands-themed adventure play area designed for three-five-year-olds. Little ones can let off steam while learning about the uses of water with our Archimedes Screw and other features.
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So much to see and do

Our vibrant and fascinating wetlands area is home to exotic birds, amazing insects, beautiful wild scenery and so much more.

Don’t miss:

• Our nesting colony of Grey Herons at Wader Lake – the largest in the region!
• Spectacular views of colourful Bullfinches and Great-spotted Woodpeckers in Hawthorn Wood
• The chance to get nose to beak with rare water birds at Close Encounters
• Fluffy ducklings taking their first wobbly steps at Waterfowl Nursery (May-July)
• The ancient woodland at Spring Gill and our majestic old oak trees
• Our breeding colony of pink Chilean flamingos
• Wonderful wildflower meadows – look out for Cuckoo Flowers, Bee Orchids and Yellow Rattle
• Splash Zone adventure play area
• Our dragonfly and amphibian ponds

Get close to nature and learn about the UK's diverse wetlands, their rich wildlife and the importance of WWT's conservation work.

Contact 0191 416 5454 or info.washington@wwt.org.uk for details.