Wader Lake works

Our reserve team are working on Wader Lake today (Wednesday 27 November) which may cause disturbance to the wildlife in the area. Thank you for your patience.

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Washington news

The latest from the saline lagoon...

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

New species bring a touch of the exotic this New Year

New species bring a touch of the exotic this New Year

Sleeping ducks by Mandy Byatt WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s waterbird collection has been given a New Year boost by the arrival of some exotic new species. Colourful paradise shelduck from New Zealand, Northern pi

30 December 2011

North East expert's international mission to save rare birds

North East expert's international mission to save rare birds

Please click the links below to read local press about WWT's mission to save the spoon-billed sandpiper from extinction, a mission which involved Boldon-born Nigel Jarrett; a former WWT Washington volunteer and now WWT's head of conservation breeding... h

23 December 2011

The heat is on as the next round of the WWT Photography Competition opens

The heat is on as the next round of the WWT Photography Competition opens

The heat is on as winter approaches, not only in our cosy living rooms but for the next stage of the WWT Photography Competition, with the winter heat now open for entries. 'Autumn plumage' by June Shaw from the

2 December 2011

Happy birthday WWT!

Happy birthday WWT!

Sir Peter Scott - WWT The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is 65 today. WWT has saved species, pioneered scientific research and helped governments and communities reap widespread benefits from wetlands. Since its

10 November 2011

Experience the spooky side of wetlands this October half-term

Experience the spooky side of wetlands this October half-term

Families beware!  Something seriously spooky is going on at WWT Washington Wetland Centre this October half-term, with plenty of creepy activities to keep the children entertained. See nocturnal nature at its worst during one of our Nature Fright Nights

13 October 2011