Top 5 things to do this Easter

Become a Duck Detective, take part in a pond dip, look for nature and more this Easter!

Easter is a great time to get the family together and enjoy being out and about in nature.

There are so many wonderful things to see and places to explore at Washington Wetland Centre this season! With migrating birds calling, flora blossoming and many insects starting to emerge, there's lots to see, hear and do. Here's our top 5 things to do this Easter:

1. Duck Detectives trail

It’s time to use your super sleuthing skills to investigate the mystery of the missing duck! Follow the clues and use everything from feathers to bird calls to footprints to complete our trail, quack the case and become a fully-fledged Duck Detective. Pick up a Duck Detectives guide on arrival! Read more

2. Spot wetland birds on Wader Lake

There are lots of birds to look for while visiting our reserve. Wader Lake is a great place to stop with a mix of ducks and wading bird species. Avocet have made their return and with their striking black and white plumage and upturned beak, they are a great one for younger children to spot and ID. Larger birds such as grey heron are nesting in the heron hedge at the back of Wader Lake too. Look for them as they jostle for space and search for food. Join our Guide in the Hide Melissa on Saturday 1, Friday 7, Saturday 8, Monday 10 and Saturday 15 April where she will be around to chat and you can ask questions about any of the wildlife on our site - check on arrival on these dates to find out where she will be based.

Northumbrian Water hide is a great place to start wetland bird watching for younger children and is just a short walk towards the river from our otter exhibit. Don't forget you can pick up a spotters guide from the centre or download a guide here - with adults/older child's and younger children's guides available.

3. Enjoy organised pond dipping and minibeast hunting sessions

Join our education team over the Easter holidays for fun and interactive pond dipping and minibeast hunting sessions. You'll explore and learn about new creatures both in and out of the water and have fun testing your ID skills. Pond dipping and minibeast sessions run from 1pm - 2.30pm (drop-in sessions - dates below) and are included with admission!

• Pond dipping takes place during the first week of the holidays on Sunday 2, Tuesday 4, Thursday 6 and Friday 7 April.
• Minibeast hunting is on during the second week on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Friday 14 April.

4. Search for spring flowers

Spring is full of new life and is the time that lots of plants and trees start to display their beautiful flowers. Search for daffodils, primrose, dog violet and periwinkles all around our collection and the wider reserve. Plus search for herbs such as rosemary which are flowering and starting to release a lovely fragrance, while other trees and plants such as blackthorn and gorse are flowering. Try creating a colour palette and ticking off the colours as you spot them!

5. Watch insects emerge

As the weather begins to warm, emerging insects become abundant. In the spring sunshine, look for bees, butterflies and hoverflies collecting nectar and moving pollen from flower to flower; while ladybirds and caterpillars begin to appear on grasses and leaves. Stop for a peek at the lavender as you head out of the visitor centre and see if you can see any insects. While you're there, take a deep breath and enjoy the floral aroma too!

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