News - Washington
Endangered ducklings now on show at specialist duckery
To recently hatched white-headed ducklings have taken their first steps outside
6 July 2022
Mud glorious mud!
Today is #InternationalMudDay. We love mud here at Washington Wetland Centre, but it is something that is so often overlooked. It offers a great food source, protection and is a huge carbon store. Here's just a handful of the reasons why we think mud is t
29 June 2022
A mighty year for new life on Wader Lake
We're very excited here at Washington Wetland Centre as we continue through what is turning to be a very successful summer breeding season around our wild reserve. There are LOTS of youngsters around pretty much everywhere you look, whether that be chir
22 June 2022
History-making common crane chick is thriving one month on
Last month we celebrated the arrival of our first ever common crane chick and, one month later, it’s still thriving! Hatching on 9 May, the common crane chick was welcome news for the 15 year old adults who have been at the wetland centre since 2008.
16 June 2022
Cockchafer beetle getting to know our local moths
Cockchafer beetles are known for their noisy slightly clumsy flight and 'feathered' antennae, but they were also once on the decline due to the use of pesticides in the 1900s. Also known as a May bug, doodlebug or if you want to go really fancy, melolont
6 June 2022
Our team's quick action helped otter mum Mimi
When it comes to animal care, our living collection team are second to none at picking up when something is just a little bit off. So when Asian short-clawed otter mum Mimi wasn't acting herself, they jumped into action to investigate... During the norm
1 June 2022
Happy birthday to us! WWT Washington turns 47
It’s not quite as impressive as a platinum jubilee, but today our wonderful wetlands turn 47-years-old. Happy birthday to us! When our doors opened that spring morning in 1975 – at a cost of 40p for adults and 20p for children – we wonder if the te
29 May 2022
Black swan cygnets are thriving
Our black swan cygnets have gone from strength to strength since they hatched in March. At about 5 times their original size, the cygnets are thriving and looking more and more like their parents. Their downy feathers are now displaying tell-tale signs
19 May 2022
Lets talk about invasive species - crassula helmsii
This week is invasive species week and we wanted to highlight a key invasive plant species that we actively manage here at WWT Washington. Crassula helmsii (also know as New Zealand pigmyweed) is a non-native invasive plant oringinally found in Australia
17 May 2022
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 vi
14 May 2022
Breeding first - common crane chick hatches at WWT Washington
WWT Washington Wetland Centre is celebrating the arrival of a tiny common crane chick – an incredible first in our 46-year history. The youngster hatched late on 9 May under the careful watch of its protective parents, who have been pa
12 May 2022
Last chance for a visit filled with Lego fun!
Lego lovers - there's just one month left to see the UK’s only LEGO® Brick Wetland Safari, right here at Washington Wetland Centre.Join us for a wild day out with a difference as you meet 16 GIANT colourful Lego brick animals, forming a fun interactive
5 May 2022
Build more fun into your Lego visit
The UK’s only LEGO® Brick Wetland Safari returns to Washington Wetland Centre this spring and is bigger and better than ever! Join us for a wild day out with a difference as you meet 16 GIANT colourful Lego brick animals, forming a fun interactive t
7 April 2022
Double trouble as our black swans welcome two cygnets
Our black swan pair are nestling into life as new parents as they have successfully hatched their first cygnets together, and the first black swan babies for over 6 years here at Washington Wetland Centre! The two fluffy youngsters hatched on Thursday 24
31 March 2022
Top 5 things to watch for on eider ducks
Eider ducks are a firm favourite with visitors here at Washington Wetland Centre. But from their unique call to growing beak, here's a list of quirky features to keep an eye out for when visiting our eider ducks1. Their call. We mentioned it earlier but t
19 March 2022