Say hello to new life this spring
After one of the mildest winters on record; days are getting longer, buds are bursting into bloom and across our wetlands, woodlands and nature reserve, new life is starting to stir.
Spring is a picture-perfect time of year and there’s no better way to soak up the sights and sounds of the new season than at WWT Washington Wetland Centre; with unforgettable nature experiences, walks and talks, and the chance to witness up close the amazing wildlife that clusters around water.
Highlights already this year include the earliest arriving avocet on record, which landed on Wader Lake on 23 February and has since been followed by 10 more – another site record (as of 13 March). These striking black and white waders have nested at WWT Washington since 2006 and remain one of the most northerly breeding colonies in the UK.
High above Tern Island, our grey heron colony – one of the UK’s largest – currently has 24 nests, and chicks are starting to hatch. Right now, the treetops are buzzing with action, as these majestic birds squabble over territories and carry nesting material double their own length in their powerful beaks. Visitors will soon be able to spot the comical chicks poking their spiky head plumage above their nests, before they stretch their gangly legs and learn to fly.
Other species currently holding territories on the lake include oystercatcher, lapwing and a pair of mute swans; while spring migrants including little ringed plover and sand martin will soon be returning.
In our rare and endangered wildfowl collection, the Australian black swans have hatched two cygnets in the Close Encounters area. Watch a video on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wwtwashington
The Hawaiian geese (or nenes) are also nesting inside protective willow wigwams created by our wardens and the South American black-necked swans are incubating eggs beneath a hand-made shelter in the flooded forest enclosure.
Elsewhere around site, chiffchaff are calling, brown hare have been spotted on Old Oak Meadow, crocuses and daffodils are in bloom, white-tailed bumble bee are on the wing and wild otter tracks have been found in Spring Gill Wood and the saline lagoon.
Whatever the season, come rain or shine, WWT Washington Wetland Centre is the perfect place to connect with nature. Open 364 days a year, our award-winning, family-friendly site offers visitors of all ages a host of unforgettable wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery all year round.
Explore a mix of wetland, woodland, nature reserve and meadows; home to rare wildfowl, flocks of waders, Chilean flamingos, Asian short-clawed otters, Eurasian cranes and more.
We have excellent access and free electric scooter hire; a waterside café with views of spectacular wildlife and a well-stocked gift shop. All sales, admission and membership income contributes to WWTs vital conservation work in the UK and around the world; so by having a great time at our centre, you’re also supporting conservation.
Upcoming special events include warden walks, Mother’s Day lunches, Easter holiday activities and downy duckling days. Check our What's On section for full details.
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