Washington news
Exploring our wetlands in the rain
Have a wild adventure whatever the weather
12 September 2025
WWT Washington closed on Thursday 18 September
On Thursday 18 September, WWT Washington will be closed to visitors for operational reasons. We will reopen as usual on Friday 19 September.
12 September 2025
Photographing wetland wildlife in autumn
Enjoy some top tips for photographing wildlife at Washington Wetland Centre this autumn thanks to our volunteer photographer, Ian Henderson
10 September 2025
Meet the team: Michael Jones - Reserve Warden
This month we meet reserve warden Michael Jones hearing about his journey into conservation from a career path in 3D modelling! We enjoy chatting to him to find out why he made such a dramatic career change and what he finds most rewarding about his role.
4 September 2025
It’s not too late to wing your way to WWT Washington’s Dragonfly Festival
Run out of things to do this summer? Anyone looking to keep the kids entertained should head to WWT Washington Wetland Centre, where the unforgettable Dragonfly Festival is still in full swing.
18 August 2025
Kingfishers in summer at WWT Washington
This summer is proving to be a great one for sightings of the elusive kingfisher. We've had lots of reports of sightings recently from our reserve team and many visitors. They've shared where the best spots are to try and catch sight of one on the WWT Was
13 August 2025
Meet the team: Paul Nesbitt - Volunteer Membership Recruiter
This August, we're looking forward to introducing you to Paul Nesbitt, one of our wonderful membership recruiters at WWT Washington! Paul joined as a volunteer 4 years ago and lots of you will recognise him as one of the first friendly faces you'll see each Saturday as you come into the centre!
8 August 2025
The art of Iridescence
Iridescence - WWT Washington's new art installation has officially opened and is bringing the magical and extraordinary world of dragonflies to visitors of all ages! The modern artwork by artists and architects Tony Broomhead and Nicky Kirk, is set over
28 July 2025
Schools Get Creative Designing Flags for New WWT Dragonfly Festival
A team of enthusiastic creatives from two North East schools were invited to design a pair of festival flags that will fly high for all to see at the first-ever WWT Dragonfly Festival, which is taking place all throughout the summer holidays at WWT Washin
21 July 2025
Meet the team: Gill Pipes - Centre Manager (part 2)
Last month we introduced you to our leader and Centre Manager Gill Pipes, finding out a bit more about her and her experience. In the second and final of Gill's Q&A, we find out about WWT's conservation efforts and her vision for WWT Washington. Thanks a
17 July 2025
New art installation brings the superpowers of dragonflies to WWT Washington
A new art installation is officially opening at WWT Washington Wetland Centre in Tyne and Wear, to highlight the magical and extraordinary world of dragonflies. Iridescence, by artists and architects Tony Broomhead and Nicky Kirk, is set over water and c
14 July 2025
Keeping up with willow tit
Willow tit are a key wetland species for us here at WWT Washington. Their presence around our reserve offers us a vital insight for our ongoing research into this declining species. Populations of willow tit have dramatically declined in the UK, with a
7 July 2025
Spotting dragons and damsels
Prehistoric creatures fly free on our wild reserve. They're fearless. They're top predators. And they're a key indicator of a healthy ecosystem. What are they? Well, they are dragonflies and damselflies of course! During the summer here at WWT Washington
3 July 2025
Lets talk about invasive species - crassula helmsii
We wanted to highlight a key invasive plant species that we actively manage here at WWT Washington. Crassula helmsii (also know as New Zealand pigmyweed) is a non-native invasive plant oringinally found in Australia and New Zealand. It's an aquatic speci
1 July 2025
A day in the life of a newly emerged dragonfly
Spotting dragonflies just after they've emerged and shed their exoskeleton is a pretty exciting wildlife encounter... Reserve warden Kate shares her encounter with a teneral Southern hawker dragonfly at the verge of Spring Gill last July. She shares so
28 June 2025