Wet Wood proves to be a big hit!

Wet Wood, WWT Washington's rare wetland habitat has been back open since the end of May and is proving a big hit for visitors!

The woodland - which reopened as part of the centre's 50th birthday celebrations - promised visitors a calm and tranquil atmosphere based in a scenic woodland setting, and they haven't been disappointed!

Visitors of all ages have been enjoying exploring this new area, many for the first time, while others have fond memories of exploring the woodland years ago. The boardwalk has proved quite the hit and is becoming a bit of an 'Instagram moment' for many with it's gorgeous lighting and green background, with visitors even spotting mallard ducklings taking their first wobbly steps just ahead of them!

If you haven't already came to explore this incredible habitat, we encourage you to. Here's some things to keep an eye and ear out for during a visit:

Ferns

These fantastic plants help boost biodiversity and are a natural water filter! Keep an eye out along the boardwalk and path edges for a variety of different fern species, including the royal fern. Royal ferns thrive in damp, wetland environments and bring their own superpowers, not only acting as its own habitat for invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals, but it can also help support wetland restoration, improving soil stability and air quality. As a large growing plant, they offer ground cover and surfaces which can help support the growth of other plants and restore local ecosystems. They are also water specialists, absorbing excess nutrients that improve water quality - a vital role for working wetlands!

Bird song

This area is a haven for woodland bird species. Listen for willow tits, wren, long-tailed tits and more moving around the treelines and calling to one another. This time of year is also a great time to look our for young recently fledged birds, so eyes and ears open.

Water

There's lovely movement and sounds coming from the various meandering streams that flow through Wet Wood. The gully is one of the oldest parts of WWT Washington's site, going back years where an old forge once stood. Take a moment to enjoy the sounds of the water flowing and absorb a bit of WWT Washington history!

Mindful seating

We've purposefully been selective with our seating, offering plenty of spaces for you to enjoy with a variety of styles and shapes available to you. These are ready for you to rest and absorb the surroundings. You won't be disappointed!

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what some of our visitors had to say on Facebook...

Visitor Jean P commented: "My first time in Wet Wood yesterday. Such a lovely relaxing experience."

While Stephen M told us: "I had a walk around it on Tuesday for the first time. It was nice to get access again and sit outside the hut having my coffee. Congratulations on a wonderful job."

And over on Instagram...

Photographer Wayne said: "I enjoyed the wet wood! I sat on the bench next to the hut for a while to recharge."

Finally, Alison C shared: "Such a special part of the site, I'm so glad it has been restored and opened. Much bigger than I was expecting too! Was wonderfully peaceful when I visited."

We are continuing to make plans for this space and are currently working with a local artist to design some fitting artwork for the area. If you have any thoughts or ideas on what we could do with this space going forward, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email us at info.washington@wwt.org.uk and share your thoughts!

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