Management and funding
Owned and managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).
The centre is funded by visitor income.
Founded/opened
The centre opened on 29th May 1975. The centre was developed in partnership with the Washington Development Corporateion. Washington is a New Town that was developed in the 1960s and 1970s. The Washington Development Corporation approached the WWT with a view to developing a resource for the people of the New Town."
Description
The centre covers appropximately 40 hectares (103 acres) on the north bank of the River Wear.
The 30 hectare (73 acre) nature reserve contains a mosaic of wetlands, woodland and grassland. Over 200 species of wild bird have been recorded on the site.
The remaining 10 hectares (30 acres) is home to 700 individual captive birds of over 75 species of ducks, geese, swans and flamingos. These form part of the WWT Threatened Species ex-situ conservation programme.
The Peter Scott Visitor Centre contains a Wetland Discovery Centre alongside the Waterside Cafe, and a gift and book shop.
Key species/features
The nature reserve is hoime to the largest colony of Grey Heron in the north east of England.
Notable captive species include Hawaiian Goose, Chilean Flamingo and Madagascar Teal.
General
WWT has been a leading exponent of environmental education (e.e.) and, latterly, Education for Sustainable Development (e.s.d.) for the last 60 years. For full details of WWT CEPA activities, visit the Learn area of this website.
Interpretation and exhibitry
WWT has an international reputation and track record for producing innovative environmental interpretation and exhibits.
WWT Washington has an indoor Discovery Centre with a number of interactive exhibits, aquarium tanks and a touch screen highlighting wetland types (like reedbeds and coral reefs), uses and values. There are areas for visitors to investigate a series of themed discovery boxes, packed with specimens, props and activities.
In 2003, a new play area - the Splash Zone was opened at the centre. Themed around water, wetlands and waterlife, it includes a paddling pool with Archimedes screw, water wheel and waterfall with sluice gates; a 'skating' area where children can 'skate' on tyres modified as Whirligig Beetles; an archaeological dig; a frog life cycle in the form of various 'springers' that children can sit and bounce on; a walk-on 'lily pad' and more.
Formal (school and university) learning
WWT Washington is currently recruiting a Learning Manager. The centre is designing programmes in accordance with new WWT formal education initiatives (see WLI site profile 'National network of wetland centres.'
Informal (general public) learning
In common with other WWT centres, WWT Washington runs a full events programme.
Professional
See WLI site profile 'National network of wetland centres.'
Staffing
Ten full-time staff work at the centre. There are approximately 15 part-time staff.
The Centre Manager is Chris Francis who is also WWT Head of Learning (Schools Service).
Contacts
Chris Francis, Centre Manager and WWT Head of Learning (Schools Service)
T: (+44)0191 416 5454 x 233
E: chris.francis@wwt.org.uk