Unwind and soak in wetland nature this winter
Winter truly is a most wonderful time of year for wetlands. They are dramatic and changeable. Wild, watery and full of life. There’s no better place to soak in nature.
So after the bustle of the festive period and with a new year sretching out ahead, why not visit WWT Washington Wetland Centre and experience the restorative power of connecting with wetland nature on a wild, outdoor adventure.
Spending time in the natural world - particularly near water - has real wellbeing benefits. It’s been proven to make us feel happier and reduce negative thoughts and levels of stress.
This is why the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is busy researching the impact our “blue” spaces have on our health and wellbeing.
Leanne McCormella, Marketing & PR Executive, said: “Just as they offer sanctuary to 1,000’s of animals during the colder months, our wetlands also make the perfect place for us humans to escape and unwind during winter.
“Bring the whole family along to get away from screens and take in the peaceful stillness of a clear frosty morning, enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of curlew roosting or enjoy our January guided warden walk in our dramatic and changeable wildlife-rich reserve.
“Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to switch off, make memories and just ‘be’."
Seasonal wildlife highlights not to miss
The Lookout – stop at this viewing screen for close-ups of woodland birds including colourful bullfinch (above) and red-listed willow tit.
Wader Lake – easy views of wetland birds from a choice of four hides. Redshank, teal, wigeon, shoveler and lapwing are regularly spotted plus, one of WWT Washington’s best wildlife spectacles builds here as the weather grows colder – the winter curlew roost. At its peak in January, more than 1,200 of these wonderful waders swoop down at dusk to settle, crying hauntingly as they descend. A sight and sound not to be missed!
Saline Lagoon – highlights include little egret (top), kingfisher and Eurasian teal. With its 360-degree vista, taking in the reedbed, River Wear and lagoon itself, Lagoon View Hide is the ideal place to spend some quality time patiently waiting for your next wildlife spot!
Hollowood – pause and listen and you’ll hear so much calling and song. Treecreeper, wren, blackbird, robin, collared dove and wood pigeon are often around and can be both heard and seen.
Spring Gill woods – home to squabbling jays and over-wintering thrushes like redwing and fieldfare searching for berries. Roe deer pass through here, so keep your eyes peeled for those tell-tale white rumps.
Collection animals – our resident animals are always a delight to meet! Watch pink Chilean flamingos flocking elegantly in the wintry sunshine or Asian short-clawed otters (above) Musa, Mimi and Buster revelling in attention from onlookers.
And don’t forget to rest and refuel at Waterside Café during your visit too. Our menu has had a revamp and we are now offering lots of warming and hearty meals, hot drinks, scones, cakes and delicious freshly made sandwiches. Sit and enjoy the uninterrupted views of our stream channel, with common crane, barnacle geese and white-fronted geese. Read more and view our menu online here
Ready to visit?
If you've been inspired to explore our wetlands and restore your wellbeing this winter, find out more and plan your visit online.
