Washington news
Restore your mental wellbeing in our uplifting wetlands this autumn
Whether it’s a gently swaying reedbed, a calm meandering river, huge open skies above a glass-like lake or the seclusion of a small woodland pond, wetlands in all their forms offer us a ready distraction from our everyday lives. Not only do they give u
10 October 2023
Centre wins top tourism award from VisitEngland
We've won a top tourism award!Washington Wetland Centre has been awarded a Gold Accolade from VisitEngland – one of just eight visitor attractions in the North East to clinch the honour. Our site is among a handful of worthy winners from across the reg
5 October 2023
Musa celebrates his 14th birthday
Asian short-clawed otter Musa may be 14, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. He's an incredibly active otter and has been a firm favourite with staff and visitors at Washington Wetland Centre for 12 years! To celebrate his 14th birthday, we wante
3 October 2023
Work begins on new artificial sand martin bank at Wader Lake
An artificial sand martin bank – with space for a potential 100 nesting pairs – is being built at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.Work began this week on the creation of the bank at Wader Lake, which welcomes the migratory birds from April onwards each
28 September 2023
Autumn migration is in full swing for many birds
Autumn is a fantastic time to see nature on the move. Many wetland birds are preparing for the long journey to their winter destinations at this time of year. Our reserve offers the perfect place to rest and refuel overnight or during periods of bad wea
26 September 2023
Wader Lake and Prince's Trust hide timeline
We’re pleased the desilting project on Wader Lake has reached a third phase which is working in front of Paddy Fleming hide to remove the silt and deepen the lake. We wanted to give you an update on our timeline for this work and for the rest of the y
22 September 2023
Kingfisher family caught on video for the first time on our reserve
A kingfisher family has been captured on video for the very first time at WWT Washington Wetland Centre. The incredible footage confirms that this often-elusive species is breeding here on site, something wardens had only been able to assume until now.
20 September 2023
Let WWT and the art of Sir Quentin Blake inspire an autumn of wetland adventure
Autumn is upon us in all its glory, bringing with it new wildlife, new landscapes and new creative events to enjoy at WWT Washington Wetland Centre. As the season unfolds, so too does a new Drawn to Water trail, featuring the distinctive drawings of Sir
13 September 2023
Amphibian ponds - Drawn to Water top tips
A unique habitat home to thousands of species, our amphibian and dragonfly ponds are a special place to be. Our amphibian and dragonfly ponds are home to a variety of pond life, with the surrounding trees full of birds. With good seating available in a r
29 August 2023
Hawthorn wood hide - Drawn to Water top tips
You really haven't experienced WWT Washington fully until you've been to Hawthorn wood hide! The feeding station at Hawthorn Wood hide is magical at any time of year, with unrivalled close-up views of colourful woodland birds. It's a firm favourite with
24 August 2023
Reservoir - Drawn to Water top tips
The reservoir - a holding place for water, a haven for wildlife! As you emerge from Hollowood onto the opening of the reservoir, you'll be hit with the views, the tree life and the sounds of nature. Our Drawn to Water guide is a great way to highlight
18 August 2023
Reedbeds - Drawn to Water top tips
Our Drawn to Water guide is a great way to highlight key areas of our collection and wild reserve that are often overlooked. With many spots to stop, look and listen; you'll find there's so much more to most places than first meets the eye (and ear!). It'
10 August 2023
Red-listed willow tit breed on our reserve
Seven red-listed willow tit – the UK’s fastest declining resident bird species – have successfully hatched and fledged at WWT Washington Wetland Centre. The young birds, which left the nest in May, are the offspring of an adult willow tit pair, whi
9 August 2023
Close Encounters - Drawn to Water top tips
Close Encounters has a certain charm that draws you in. It's a tranquil space that is filled with life! As one of the first exhibits you reach on the west of our collection, Close Encounters has it all - quirky and interesting water birds, scented flowe
31 July 2023
Stream Channel - Drawn to Water top tips
Our Stream Channel is a hive of activity, full of flowering plants, swaying trees, buzzing insects and exciting bird life. For many visitors who walk past this area, it is merely a corridor to get out onto our wider reserve. To that we say: 'you don't k
25 July 2023