May half term in a nutshell

Join us for a host of nature-themed arts, crafts and creative sessions this May half term.

Your guide to May half-term and how to make the most of a visit to Washington Wetland Centre

Come and explore our wetlands this May half-term and get ready for creative activities, art-themed workshops and the best that nature has to offer! There's lots to keep the family busy - here are just a few of the highlights:

Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT

Reimagine the wonder of wetlands and nature through the eyes of the UK’s best-loved illustrator. Collect an illustrated guide full of Quentin Blake’s drawings and journey around our wonderful wetland world this summer. New seasonal trails will be launched later in the year, each with a different illustrated guide to collect and keep. Read more

Pond dipping (Sat 27, Mon 29, Wed 31 May / Fri 2 & Sat 3 June - 1 - 2.30pm)

Explore the world underwater this half term during family-friendly pond dipping sessions. Visit the interactive Pondzone and search for water snails, pond skaters and many more. (Drop-in sessions - no need to book - included with admission)

Natural printing (Sun 28 May & Thurs 1 June - 1 - 2.30pm)

Join our learning team in Hollowood and enjoy printing and mark-making techniques such as hapa-zome (the Japanese art of leaf-dying), or try your hand at painting with feathers. This is a great activity for families to enjoy and you can take home anything you create! (Drop-in sessions - no need to book - included with admission)

Bird spotting

Head down to Wader Lake where the action is really heating up. Common tern have arrived back in large numbers ready to nest; avocet are incubating eggs and looking after chicks and young lapwing have hatched and are learning how to feed. Don't forget to pick up a spotter guide to help enhance your ID skills!

Wild walk (Sunday 28 May - 11am)

Meet Andrew at 11am sharp for this hour-long wild walk around our reserve, with a focus on the red-listed willow tit and our exciting willow tit project.

Nature journalling

Join artist Steve Pardue on this exciting workshop where you will interact with nature and be inspired to create your own journal, learning sketching and lettering techniques along the way. Pre-booking essential - book now

Children's art workshops

Come and get creative with artist Amy Brooks and paint your very own otter picture. Pre-booking essential - book now

See new life

Many birds are now starting to hatch and there are plenty of wild greylag goslings, mallard ducklings and moorhen around to spot. Our collection birds have also started having youngsters too! Look out for our young black swan cygnets in Close Encounters and pay a visit to the duckery where there may be some young bar-headed geese to see in the indoor nursery!

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