News
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
Photographing wetland wildlife in autumn
Enjoy some top tips for photographing wildlife at Washington Wetland Centre this autumn thanks to our volunteer photographer, Ian Henderson
7 September 2023
Kingfisher hints and tips - where to spot one this autumn
With increased sightings of this vibrant yet elusive bird, here are some tips on where best to spot them!
1 September 2023
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