Our flamingos are currently off-show due to the cold and icy weather. Apologies for any inconvenience.

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Wader Lake works

Our reserve team are working on Wader Lake today (Thursday 21 November) which may cause disturbance to the wildlife in the area. Thank you for your patience.

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Feathered family fun this February half term

WWT Washington Wetland Centre will be hosting a fun-filled festival of bird-themed events for February half-term.

We are giving families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close with the UK’s greatest winter wildlife.

Taking place from Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 February, ‘The Big Hideout’ will see visitors to the Wearside nature reserve enjoy time learning the art of birdwatching from their various hides, getting creative making bird feeders and ‘hide’ building.

There’ll be pond dipping, arts and crafts and many more activities for all the family to enjoy.

Wetland nature experts will be on hand to help visitors discover many of the birds that flock to the centre from around the world in the colder months.

Budding and seasoned bird spotters alike should be on the lookout for birds such as curlew, Eurasian teal, lapwing and redshank around our wetlands. It is also a great time of the year to see grey heron return to the heronry around Wader Lake. Visitors can experience the drama as they jostle for space, gearing themselves up for breeding season.

Five grey heron spotted on wader lake. They are tall, with long legs, a long beak and grey, black and white feathering. They have their feet in the water and are standing in a line looking out over the water.

While in the woods, visitor favourites such as bullfinch, great-spotted woodpecker and nuthatch can often be seen making the most of the feeding stations at Hawthorn Wood hide.

As well as The Big Hideout, families visiting WWT Washington this February half-term will be able to enjoy lots of other wild and wonderful activities, including Pond Dipping, arts and crafts and bird ringing demonstrations.

Activities are included with general admission or free for members and children aged four and under.

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If you've been inspired to explore Washington Wetland Centre, find out more and plan your visit online.

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