Washington news
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
Close Encounters - Drawn to Water top tips
Close Encounters has a certain charm that draws you in. It's a tranquil space that is filled with life! As one of the first exhibits you reach on the west of our collection, Close Encounters has it all - quirky and interesting water birds, scented flowe
31 July 2023
Stream Channel - Drawn to Water top tips
Our Stream Channel is a hive of activity, full of flowering plants, swaying trees, buzzing insects and exciting bird life. For many visitors who walk past this area, it is merely a corridor to get out onto our wider reserve. To that we say: 'you don't k
25 July 2023
Five ways to spend your summer at Washington Wetland Centre
With a host of wetland wildlife, hands-on outdoor activities and a Quentin Blake-illustrated trail to enjoy, what amazing nature connections will you make while you’re here? Summer is upon us, bringing with it the chance to experience all that our gl
19 July 2023
Summer activities at WWT Washington
Outdoor, nature, summer fun! The countdown is on to the summer holidays - are you prepared? Why not join the fun here at Washington and enjoy wildlife challenges and hands-on activities such as pond dipping, mini-beast hunting, natural printing and so m
13 July 2023
Mini-wetland revolution could help North East wildlife beat the heat and boost urban biodiversity
From drainpipe wetlands to bogs in backyards, WWT Washington is calling on North East residents to make room for nature by creating a network of urban mini-wetlands across the region. As summer temperatures look set to soar, WWT has launched its Mini-
12 July 2023
Habitat works lead to baby boom on Wader Lake
A TWO-YEAR desilting project designed to bring wetland wildlife and people closer together has led to a summer duckling baby boom at WWT Washington. Dozens of gadwall (below) and tufted duck youngsters are thriving on Wader Lake for the first time in r
6 July 2023
Chill out in our cooling wetlands as the heat rises
With hot weather expected for the next few days, why not bring your temperature down on a visit to our wonderfully cooling wetlands?Take a midweek wander through our shady ancient woodland, alongside bubbling Spring Gill, or meander round our sparkling po
13 June 2023
Wellbeing and our wetlands: a summer guide
World Wellbeing Week begins on 26 June - a gentle reminder to ourselves that, in an ever more hectic world, our physical and mental health is something we should prioritise whenever we can. Easier said than done, we admit, but taking time for yourself is
8 June 2023
Summer photography hints and tips
Summer at WWT Washington brings with it so many delights and photographic opportunities throughout the reserve. There is something of interest at almost every turn. Blog written by volunteer photographer Ian Henderson It’s difficult to know just wh
29 May 2023
It's our birthday! WWT Washington turns 48
Happy 48th birthday to us! When our doors first opened on the morning of 29 May 1975 – at a cost of 40p for adults and 20p for children – we wonder if the team greeting those new visitors could have even begun to imagine the amazing things we'
28 May 2023