Washington news
Essential work on Wader Lake in September
After another breeding season on Wader Lake, it's time to get the area in top condition for the arrival of autumn and winter wading birds. This September, our reserve management team along with a group of dedicated volunteers will be doing some work to
3 September 2018
Wish us luck as you wave us goodbye
WWT Washington's Asian short-clawed otter family (image by Ian Henderson) Lots of our visitors will be aware that our family of Asian short-clawed otters are part of a global species studbook, aimed at conserving hea
17 August 2018
Solar-powered flamingo house nears completion
Remember back in autumn 2017 when we made a bid to the Marks and Spencer Energy Fund to install solar panels to our flamingo house? And after a huge wave of support following an online campaign (which saw local landmark Penshaw Monument turn pink!) we onl
4 July 2018
Future architects create homes for wildlife
Students from Newcastle University have worked alongside our staff to create exciting new habitats for the wildlife we protect on site. The third year Architecture degree students have collectively produced an experimental nature trail as an invitation fo
14 May 2018
Downy Duckling Days are here again
Downy Duckling Days are here again at WWT Washington Wetland Centre… Join us this May half-term (Saturday 26 May-Sunday 3 June) to see the latest fluffy arrivals and go behind-the-scenes at our specialist duckery. Daily talks will give you a unique ins
25 April 2018
Build it and they will come!
Grey Heron With grey heron numbers starting to increase along the river and here on site, our reserve team is busy working on Wader Lake this week in the last available window before these magnificent birds begin to s
16 January 2018
Otter enclosure improvements
We will be carrying out some maintenance work in our otter exhibit to make some fantastic improvements that will hugely benefit our cheeky family of Asian short-clawed otters. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week (8, 9 and 10 January 2018),
8 January 2018
Meet our volunteer photographers
A day in the life of a WWT volunteer photographer. We're very fortunate to have four fantastic photographers here at Washington Wetland Centre, all from different backgrounds and with varied experiences. They play a vital role in helping us share
28 November 2017
Penshaw Monument glows pink for flamingos
Glowing pink despite heavy fog ICONIC NORTH EAST MONUMENT GLOWS PINK IN SUPPORT OF NEIGHBOURING NATURE RESERVE WWT Washington Wetland Centre is turning National Trust property Penshaw Monument pink for a second night
20 October 2017
These aren't just flamingos… these could be M&S-funded flamingos…
A flamingling explores the water at WWT Washington Wildlife lovers are being urged to help secure funding to create Europe’s first solar-powered flamingo house at Washington Wetland Centre and encourage its flock to
1 October 2017
Reserve ramblings - how to spot a kingfisher
How to spot a kingfisher at WWT Washington... After a few months in hiding (or raising kingfisher chicks... we're hoping it's the latter) we've had increased and almost daily sightings of kingfisher down on the saline lagoon, predominantly on the
14 August 2017
Your summer adventure awaits...
Have you planned your summer adventure at WWT Washington? We have an exciting array of events and family activities taking place this summer. So whether you fancy getting stuck into finding great diving beetles, water boatman and other wildlife that live
24 July 2017
Kids make a colourful splash at inspirational new wetland garden
An award-winning sustainable water garden designed to inspire and educate has opened at WWT Washington Wetland Centre. Part raingarden and part outdoor classroom; our colourful new ‘Working Wetland garden and Waterlab’ demonstrates how you can better
21 July 2017
It's habitat management time
We have almost 6 hectares of meadows on our site, home to a huge range of flora and fauna so meadow management is an essential part of our Reserve Management plan. Our meadows must be cut every year and we’re about to start this process. There are so
20 July 2017
Will you be a Wildlife Ranger this summer?
Dusty Duck is back at WWT Washington this summer and he's more adventurous than ever! Will you take up his challenge and become one of Dusty’s Wildlife Rangers? Dusty Duck is recruiting children of all ages at WWT Washington Wetland Centre this summer t
7 July 2017