News
Planned path works - 29 November 2023
Path closure noticeWe have contractors on site on Wednesday 29 November to fix the path between our otter enclosure and Wader Lake. To allow vehicle access, we'll be closing off the path from our domestic duck exhibit down to the otters for the duration o
27 November 2023
Alternative spooky animals
When you hear the words ‘spooky animals’ your mind probably instantly goes to things like bats, black cats, crows, rats, and toads. These are just some animals that instantly seem spooky and have a long association with the magic and mystical in Briti
1 November 2023
The art in autumn leaves
Autumn is the time of year we see a dramatic change of colour within nature. But the science behind it is really quite clever...
31 October 2023
Top Things to do This Autumn
Autumnal wetlands are spectacular places to be.With dramatic skies, an abundance of bird life and colour aplenty, they are truly uplifting in their beauty and offer something to engage people of all ages and interests.Knowing that there’s so much to dis
26 October 2023
EEK!-xperience the weirder side of wetlands this half-term
Calling all f-f-f-families - the frighteningly fantastic eek! week is returning to Washington Wetland Centre this October! Join us as we get close to the weird and wonderful side of wetland nature during this interactive, outdoor event. Winding its wa
18 October 2023
Restore your mental wellbeing in our uplifting wetlands this autumn
Whether it’s a gently swaying reedbed, a calm meandering river, huge open skies above a glass-like lake or the seclusion of a small woodland pond, wetlands in all their forms offer us a ready distraction from our everyday lives. Not only do they give u
10 October 2023
Centre wins top tourism award from VisitEngland
We've won a top tourism award!Washington Wetland Centre has been awarded a Gold Accolade from VisitEngland – one of just eight visitor attractions in the North East to clinch the honour. Our site is among a handful of worthy winners from across the reg
5 October 2023
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