Washington news
Orchid season is upon us!
As summer approaches, we're starting to see a variety of orchids come into bloom across our meadows here at Washington Wetland Centre. Orchids have a rich history, often associated with strong meanings and symbolism worldwide. The Aztecs, for example, sa
22 May 2023
First bar-headed goslings for 10 years hatch at WWT Washington
Three beautiful bar-headed goslings have hatched at Washington Wetland Centre - the first for more than a decade! Arriving earlier this week, the youngsters are being looked after by our living collection team at our specialist duckery, where they're no
20 May 2023
Celebrating spring migration this World Migratory Bird Day
Spring migration is a fantastic time of year to explore nature and soak up the species that visit us during the warmer months Many bird species reliably visit the same spots every year and make for fantastic subjects for photography, as well as offering
12 May 2023
Bee flies causing a buzz this spring
Bee fly sightings are on the increase around site and we can’t get enough of these quirky looking insects. With their fuzzy bodies, patterned wings and unusually long proboscis (or tongue), they can be found basking in sunny spots or feeding on flowers
9 May 2023
Anti-flood technology helps protect wildlife on Wader Lake
Regionally important birdlife is being given a survival boost thanks to new anti-flood measures at Washington Wetland Centre.
27 April 2023
Nesting nuthatch
For many of our visitors who enjoy a trip down to Hawthorn Wood Hide, the European nuthatch, with its pointed beak, bold black eye stripe and rufous flanks hopping effortlessly headfirst down the trunks of trees is a much-loved sight. With its agile cl
24 April 2023
Top 5 things to do this Easter
Become a Duck Detective, take part in a pond dip, look for nature and more this Easter!
30 March 2023
Spotter guides
Enjoy using these spotter guides when you're out and about in nature!
26 March 2023
Get on nature’s trail with Duck Detectives this Easter
Families across the North East can put their outdoor sleuthing skills to the test this Easter, with the ALL NEW Duck Detectives trail at WWT Washington Wetland Centre.Get close to nature and have fun exploring together, as you follow the clues around our
22 March 2023
How to tell the difference between toad and frog spawn
How to tell the difference between toad and frog spawn Amphibians are a group of small vertebrates that are defined by a very special set of adaptations. Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders are all part of this group. Amphibians all need water, or damp
21 March 2023
Happy Mother's Day to our wetland superstar mams
Where would the natural world be without mothers? Without their protective instincts, their self-sacrifice, their love? This Mother’s Day we pay homage to some wetland superstar mams and of course, give thanks to the ultimate maternal figure looking
17 March 2023
More to mud than meets the eye - a b(l)og
Mud is a miracle.Bugs and mini-beasts live in it. Birds and insects make their homes and eat from it. And at WWT Washington’s ALL NEW Mudfest event this February half-term, families across the North East can find out just how much fun they can have with
16 February 2023
Seriously squelchy fun at Mudfest this February half-term
Mud is a miracle. Bugs and mini-beasts live in it. Birds and insects make their homes from it. And at WWT Washington’s ALL NEW Mudfest this February half-term, families across the North East can find out just how much fun they can have with it! Come
2 February 2023
Willow tit citizen science project needs YOUR help
Washington Wetland Centre is asking the public to be its ‘eyes and ears’ as it works to help protect the red-listed willow tit...Citizen scientists are needed to help WWT Washington save the UK’s fastest declining resident bird species. Our team
26 January 2023
Tales from the Heron Hedge
By Kate Ferguson, reserve warden A prehistoric-sounding squawk echoes across the river as a large shadow flies overhead, stick in beak, and scattering lapwing everywhere. It’s a majestic grey heron, returning from a trip to gather nesting material fr
19 January 2023