Washington news
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
Gift donation as part of Elf Academy
As part of our Elf Academy Christmas event, we ask young recruits to bring along a pre-loved gift, toy or book in good condition that can be donated to local children's charities. This is a fantastic and eco-friendly way for us to show our support for the
15 September 2023
Why managing Wader Lake is no simple task
Water level management on Wader Lake is critical for providing the correct balance of inundated and non-inundated grassland, including areas of open water bodies to attract and provide the correct conditions for the many types of bird species that use the
14 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
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
7 September 2023
Kingfisher hints and tips - where to spot one this autumn
With increased sightings of this vibrant yet elusive bird, here are some tips on where best to spot them!
1 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