Washington news

Early signs of spring around our wetlands

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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