Be a Wetland Explorer this summer!
Reconnect with nature through wild play and exploration at Washington Wetland Centre
Families can discover the wonder of wetlands this summer, with an adventure-packed timetable of Wetland Explorer activities at Washington Wetland Centre.
Designed to teach valuable skills while having fun outdoors, these interactive challenges will reconnect visitors young and old with the natural world through wild play and exploration.
Can you listen like an owl? Can you spot the different ways that birds feed? Grab your free logbook on arrival and tick off the self-led tasks as you venture around site to earn your Wetland Explorer sticker as a take-home reminder of your great day out!
Or why not get even more hands-on during an activity session with our team – timetabled across the summer and included with admission (details below).
Plus, don’t miss the seasonal wildlife action out on our reserve, with highlights including birds raising their young on Wader Lake, ponds buzzing with colourful dragonflies and meadows awash with flowers.
Our Chilean flamingos and Asian short-clawed otters are also on easy view within the grounds, our play area is fully open and our café is serving takeaway snacks and treats, to be enjoyed indoors (limited seating) or surrounded by wildlife at one of our many picnic-friendly spaces.
Wetland Explorers runs from Monday 19 July-Sunday 5 September. Visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington for admission tickets (must be pre-booked) and share your amazing adventures with us using #wetlandexplorers!
Exciting have-a-go activities!
All sessions are drop-in and run between 1-2.30pm
(except moth mornings from 10.30am)
Fancy getting more hands-on with nature this summer? Why not join one of our staff-led activities; included in normal admission (free to members) and with various dates to choose from (please see calendar above or check our event pages for details).
Join us for mini-beast hunting
Meet in Hollowood to explore the world of soil, leaves and dry wood as you hunt for wriggly mini-beasts. Use your dusting brush, magnifying glass and observation trays to get a closer look at woodlice, millipedes, stinkbugs and more!
Take part in pond dipping
Grab a net and delve into the world underwater with our education team. Head to the interactive Pond Zone, where you’ll search for water snails, great diving beetles and their formidable larvae. Learn how to safely catch and ID your finds before carefully releasing them back into the water.
Learn compass and navigation skills
Join us on the event lawn opposite the Education Barn as we discover more about navigation. Practice the art of listening and verbal communication to find your way around our grid, and try your hand at directional instructions and compass reading in this fun-filled family activity.
Try animal tracking
Spotting some types of wildlife can be tricky, but most does leave signs that it’s been around. Join our expert reserve wardens as they take you on a trip around Hollowood looking for food remains, animal droppings, nest areas and other clues to help you cleverly and respectfully find and ID different species. Suitable outdoor footwear recommended.
Have a go at den building
Meet opposite the flamingo exhibit to try your hand at building dens out of branches, sheets and other materials you find with the help of our learning team. You never know when you might need this skill in the wild!
Enjoy a moth morning
See amazing moths up close and learn about the hundreds of species found locally, including the stunning poplar hawk moth, white ermine, flame shoulder and heart and dart. You could even hold one if you're brave enough! This is a fascinating activity and a great way to get over any fears. Meet at the education barn at 10.30am.
