News
Sneak preview of new saline lagoon
Visitors are invited to join a special guided tour of WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s new saline lagoon this weekend, before the habitat is flooded and an array of local wildlife begins to move in. The £100,000 project, funded by the SITA trust, is due
23 February 2012
Wildlife reserve prepares for spring/summer arrivals
Preparation is underway for the breeding season out on WWT Washington’s wildlife reserve. Reserve manager John Gowland said: “We have begun lowering the level of Wader Lake by gradually lifting the top sluice board, allowing the water to slowly drain
22 February 2012
Update from our wildlife reserve
Depsite the chilly temperatures of late, spring is definitely on its way out on our wildlife reserve. Hares have been spotted playing on Old Oak meadow and the grey heron colony is nesting in earnest. Wardens think a couple of pairs may already be incub
14 February 2012
A bird (almost!) in the hand
It was so cold at the weekend, this hungry robin almost ate his high-energy lard and seed brekkie straight from the warden’s hand! Our reserve manager John Gowland said: “All of our birds have been feeling the cold recently – the exotic collection
13 February 2012
"Once more unto the breach dear friends"...
The breach is just visible in front of the digger The riverbank at the saline lagoon has now been breached and we expect the habitat to flood for the first time during high tide on Friday 9 March (about 4pm). Join us
10 February 2012
The latest from the saline lagoon...
The fence along the river bank has been removed in preparation for connecting our site with the River Wear The landscaping of the lagoon is pr
8 February 2012
Wintry weather creates picture-perfect scenery
On the Lookout by Glenton Roberts The predicted cold snap has hit, and while it may have its foot-stamping, hand-rubbing downsides, it can also create some stunning photographic opportunities. So make the most of the
5 February 2012
Protecting our wildlife from the c-c-cold
At WWT Washington Wetland Centre we take the welfare of our wildlife very seriously. So as the cold snap begins, our wardens are busy making sure that we do all we can to help protect it from the elements. A great-spotted
3 February 2012
A whole lot of fun for a whole lot less this February half-term
Make the most of your family’s time (and money!) this February half term, by taking a trip to WWT Washington Wetland Centre. With a host of fun activities planned and endless opportunities to discover more about the natural world, our award-winning wild
27 January 2012
Winter (or should that be spring!?) wildlife update
This morning felt, looked and sounded like spring at WWT Washington. And the sunny, relatively warm start to the day must have trigged something in our wildlife! An oystercatcher The first oystercatcher of the year arrived on Wader Lake, only five d
25 January 2012
Artist of the month - February
Artist Irene Hilsdon was born in North Shields and was originally inspired to take up painting by her father Larry Bedigan, who loved painting watercolours of landscapes and various views from the River Tyne. Asian short-clawed otter She joined the Wo
24 January 2012
Winter wildlife update
The recent cold spell has seen an increase in winter visitors on site today (20 Jan). Wildlife reserve manager John Gowland said: "As I checked the water flow at the filter reedbeds, I was privileged with great views of a male merlin sitting on one of the
20 January 2012
Lagoon pictures capture progress
The excavation of our new saline lagoon continues apace. The recent cold snap froze the muddy habitat solid, perfect conditions for the diggers to make good headway carving out the shape of the lagoon; giving it depth and width. The river reedbed shelter
19 January 2012
Cold weather makes for spectacular scenery
The recent cold snap may have had us all shivering, but it also provided some stunning photographic opportunities out on our wildlife reserve and among the exotic collection birds. Here are a couple of snaps taken by staff - one of our red-breasted geese
18 January 2012
Major work begins on new saline lagoon
Work is now underway to transform this area into a new saline lagoon The excavation of WWT Washington’s new saline lagoon has begun! Designed to improve the biodiversity of the area currently known as Sandpiper Pond
4 January 2012