Become part of our wetlands family this spring

Late spring is a glorious time to become part of the WWT family.

The warmer weather, longer days and new life emerging all around our wetlands, woodlands and meadows make them the perfect place for an outdoor adventure.

As a WWT member, you can visit us as often as you like to watch the season and its wonders unfold, while also seeing the difference your membership money is making to our habitats and their wildlife.

So why not join us and...

...bring your brood to meet ours. Watch a winding trail of waddling ducklings following their mother around our stream channel or see gangly grey heron chicks in the tree tops opposite Wader Lake hides, as dainty avocet chicks hatch on the shingle islands below. Our black swan cygnets are also raising youngsters in our Close Encounters area - don't miss the chance to see them before they're all grown up.

…spot a bee fly! With their fuzzy bodies, patterned wings and unusually long proboscis (sucking mouthpart), these quirky looking insects can be found basking in sunny spots or feeding on nectar-rich flowers throughout spring.

…get to know our playful Asian short-clawed otter family – Mimi, Musa and their son Buster. They can be found frolicking and foraging all day long in the spring sunshine, with keeper talks twice a day at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Don’t be shy to ask our experts difficult questions and expand your otter knowledge!

…take a sneak peek at amphibian life on a stroll along the river footpath to our ponds where, just below the surface of the water, you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of wriggly tadpoles (and possibly even froglets) exploring their surroundings.

…enjoy the vibrant colours of the newest floral life, including violet-hued bluebells carpeting Spring Gill Wood and the happy yellows of marsh marigold and gorse flowers dotted around site.

Wetlands are not only spectacular to visit at this time of year, they’re also lifelines...

They provide water, food or habitat for almost all species, including over a billion of us humans.

What’s more, as carbon stores and natural flood defenders, they are one of our best protectors against climate change and its disastrous effects.

And yet, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests – 35% have disappeared since 1970.

So yes, by becoming a member you enjoy free visits 364 days a year to WWT Washington and our nine sister sites across the UK, plus a host of fantastic events.

BUT, you are also helping protect and restore vital wetlands for generations to come.

Isn't that amazing!?

If you are already part of our family, we thank you so much. If you think you might want to be, head here https://www.wwt.org.uk/join-and-support and let’s restore our planet’s wetland ecosystems together.

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