Washington news
Early signs of spring around our wetlands
It might still be chilly out there, but some early spring signs are already starting to appear around our wetlands. There’s something rather exhilarating about the arrival of this most hopeful of seasons; the natural world on the cusp of new life and n
1 April 2024
Things to do this Easter at WWT Washington
Attention outdoor adventurers - get ready for some Easter Fun with the whole family!
27 March 2024
New black swan cygnets hatch at WWT Washington
Three is the magic number at Washington Wetland Centre as they welcome the arrival of three charming black swan cygnets. The black swan pair – who were first introduced in May 2021 - have done a fantastic job laying and protecting their clutch of egg
22 March 2024
Visitor donation supports opening of new wildlife hide
We’re delighted to announce that a new wildlife viewing hide is now open to visitors. The Vic Robins hide - which is on the east side of Wader Lake - was kindly funded by WWT Washington visitor Viv Coy. Viv and her husband Vic visited the Princes Trust
21 March 2024
Pssst... we've launched a new interactive app!
Your wetland journey begins now as WWT Washington Wetland Centre introduces an interactive app for visitors – a digital pocket guide to the wetland and woodland wildlife of the Wearside nature reserve. The WWT Washington app - which launched in Febru
13 March 2024
Meet Bing this spring at Washington Wetland Centre
Families in the Northeast will have the opportunity to meet Bing, the beloved title character from the multi-award-winning animated series, at Washington Wetland Centre this spring. Join us for some fun with a Bing and Flop Nature Explorers activity tr
28 February 2024
February half term in a nutshell
Things to do this Half Term at WWT Washington Wetland Centre Spring may not have sprung just yet… but as part of our Big Hideout at WWT Washington, we have lots of fun activities to entertain the whole family this February half term! So grab your welli
16 February 2024
It's National Nestbox Week!
Nature is a truly wonderful thing, but sometimes it does need a bit of help to thrive. Nestboxes are a great way to help your local wildlife this spring. This #NationalNestboxWeek, why not think about introducing a box to your garden! Britain’s breedin
14 February 2024
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
31 January 2024
Bring a friend for free to WWT Washington this World Wetlands Day
Duck the stress this World Wetlands Day and visit WWT Washington Wetland Centre for a moment of calm This World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2024, WWT Washington Wetland Centre wants everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland
24 January 2024
The wonder of webs
Bushes laden with vibrant red berries, tracks running through freshly fallen snow, and the swirling dance of jackdaw are all sights we look forward to as winter draws closer. But what if you added spider webs to your list of things to look out for? Blog
17 January 2024
How our animals stay warm in cold weather
With the recent cold weather and more forecast, we often get asked how our animals stay warm. There's no real art to keeping our birds and otter family warm; many techniques are down to their own adaptations. But there are some things we do and ways we
10 January 2024
Exploring our wetlands in the rain
Have a wild adventure whatever the weather
2 January 2024
New Year's Day wildlife list
New Year's Day has been kicked off nicely with a wildlife count by volunteer Melissa. She found 37 bird species, 11 fungus, 10 flowering plants, 1 mammal (plus tracks of another 5) and 4 invertebrates! Here's her breakdown: Bird species Blue titBlackbir
1 January 2024
Elf Academy brings festive cheer to Northeast children
More than 150 children across the Northeast will receive an extra special festive gift this year, thanks to WWT Washington’s Elf Academy graduates. The donated gifts form part of the wetland centre’s Christmas event, which sees children enrolling on
20 December 2023