News
Habitat works lead to baby boom on Wader Lake
A TWO-YEAR desilting project designed to bring wetland wildlife and people closer together has led to a summer duckling baby boom at WWT Washington. Dozens of gadwall (below) and tufted duck youngsters are thriving on Wader Lake for the first time in r
6 July 2023
Chill out in our cooling wetlands as the heat rises
With hot weather expected for the next few days, why not bring your temperature down on a visit to our wonderfully cooling wetlands?Take a midweek wander through our shady ancient woodland, alongside bubbling Spring Gill, or meander round our sparkling po
13 June 2023
Wellbeing and our wetlands: a summer guide
World Wellbeing Week begins on 26 June - a gentle reminder to ourselves that, in an ever more hectic world, our physical and mental health is something we should prioritise whenever we can. Easier said than done, we admit, but taking time for yourself is
8 June 2023
Summer photography hints and tips
Summer at WWT Washington brings with it so many delights and photographic opportunities throughout the reserve. There is something of interest at almost every turn. Blog written by volunteer photographer Ian Henderson It’s difficult to know just wh
29 May 2023
It's our birthday! WWT Washington turns 48
Happy 48th birthday to us! When our doors first opened on the morning of 29 May 1975 – at a cost of 40p for adults and 20p for children – we wonder if the team greeting those new visitors could have even begun to imagine the amazing things we'
28 May 2023
May half term in a nutshell
Join us for a host of nature-themed arts, crafts and creative sessions this May half term.
25 May 2023
How our animals keep their cool in hot weather
With the current rising temperatures and more sunshine on its way, a question we often get asked is how do we keep our animals cool? To help them cope with heat more easily, our birds and otters do have some natural adaptations. But we also like
24 May 2023
Quentin Blake’s art drawing people to nature at WWT Washington
People across the North East can now see the wonder of wetland nature through the eyes of the UK’s best-loved illustrator, thanks to a new event at Washington Wetland Centre. The ‘Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT’ partnership – a collaboratio
23 May 2023
Orchid season is upon us!
As summer approaches, we're starting to see a variety of orchids come into bloom across our meadows here at Washington Wetland Centre. Orchids have a rich history, often associated with strong meanings and symbolism worldwide. The Aztecs, for example, sa
22 May 2023
First bar-headed goslings for 10 years hatch at WWT Washington
Three beautiful bar-headed goslings have hatched at Washington Wetland Centre - the first for more than a decade! Arriving earlier this week, the youngsters are being looked after by our living collection team at our specialist duckery, where they're no
20 May 2023
Celebrating spring migration this World Migratory Bird Day
Spring migration is a fantastic time of year to explore nature and soak up the species that visit us during the warmer months Many bird species reliably visit the same spots every year and make for fantastic subjects for photography, as well as offering
12 May 2023
Bee flies causing a buzz this spring
Bee fly sightings are on the increase around site and we can’t get enough of these quirky looking insects. With their fuzzy bodies, patterned wings and unusually long proboscis (or tongue), they can be found basking in sunny spots or feeding on flowers
9 May 2023
Anti-flood technology helps protect wildlife on Wader Lake
Regionally important birdlife is being given a survival boost thanks to new anti-flood measures at Washington Wetland Centre.
27 April 2023
Nesting nuthatch
For many of our visitors who enjoy a trip down to Hawthorn Wood Hide, the European nuthatch, with its pointed beak, bold black eye stripe and rufous flanks hopping effortlessly headfirst down the trunks of trees is a much-loved sight. With its agile cl
24 April 2023
Top 5 things to do this Easter
Become a Duck Detective, take part in a pond dip, look for nature and more this Easter!
30 March 2023