Washington news
Top 5 things to watch for on eider ducks
Eider ducks are a firm favourite with visitors here at Washington Wetland Centre. But from their unique call to growing beak, here's a list of quirky features to keep an eye out for when visiting our eider ducks1. Their call. We mentioned it earlier but t
19 March 2022
This spring...join us, join our cause
Spring is a fantastic time to join WWT and start discovering WWT Washington. There’s something rather exhilarating about the arrival of this most hopeful of seasons; the natural world on the cusp of new life and new beginnings. And as a WWT member
17 March 2022
Lets talk about bats
Bat boxes are a fantastic thing to have around and not only do they offer a home for our native bat population, they also help us keep track of their successes in the UK with regular surveying and checks. At this time of year, our reserve team spend ti
9 March 2022
Eyes on the skies for returning avocets
From their unexpected first appearance in June 2006, to their earliest ever arrival on February 16 2019, the buzz surrounding our avocets builds each year. These striking black and white waders may look dainty, with their slim upturned bills and delica
13 February 2022
Top 5 things to do this half term at Washington Wetland Centre
Early spring is a great time to explore nature, and with half term around the corner there's lots for families to explore! Here's our TOP 5 things to do during a visit to our wonderful wetlands! 1. Puddle Jumping Be prepared to get soaked; yes we're enc
12 February 2022
Experiencing our wetlands through your senses: a guide
Our senses play an essential part in how we interpret the natural world. But what if we don’t have full use of them, or want to absorb the magic of nature in a different way? BBC Winterwatch recently starred visually impaired photographer Alex Dit
3 February 2022
LEGO® Brick Wetland Safari and Workshops
Go on a LEGO® Brick Wetland Safari this spring or join exciting interactive workshops
2 February 2022
Otter enrichment reaches a new level
Our resident otter family are enjoying lots of new enrichment activities as part of a plan being introduced by our keepers. Mimi, Musa and Buster have started a newly formed enrichment plan put together by our living collection team, which will offer t
30 January 2022
Make a splash and jump into nature at the North East Puddle Jumping Championships!
Who will make the biggest splash and be a puddle jumping champion? Join us this February half-term at Washington Wetland Centre, as children and adults alike grab their wellies and jump into nature for our annual puddle jumping championships – guarante
26 January 2022
He did it! Photographer Alex Ditch achieves his birdwatching dream
Did you watch Alex and his journey to find the elusive kingfisher?
26 January 2022
Local visually impaired photographer's wetland journey to star in BBC's Winterwatch
Local photographer Alex Ditch is fulfilling his goal to appear in BBC's Winterwatch Alex Ditch, from Sunderland, was born with Bardet Biedl syndrome; a genetic condition which causes a range of physical issues, including blindness. The passionate 25-
25 January 2022
Falcated ducks show off their plumage!
It's been almost 7 month since our falcated ducks hatched in our specialist on-site duckery, but oh how grown up they've become! Our falcated ducks have gone through quite a transformation since hatching in early July last year (2021). Their fluffy downy
17 January 2022
Centre is now open as of 1 Jan 2022
We are pleased to that we are now reopen as of Saturday 1 January 2022 and can’t wait to welcome you back. We’ve have been working with the relevant government agencies and taking measures to protect our birds and to prevent the spread of the disea
29 December 2021
Winter wildlife spotting hints and tips
Winter in our wetlands is a truly wonderful place. Leaf-bare trees provide fantastic views of flitting woodland birds, while waders forage and feast in our many lakes, ponds and streams Below are some hints and tips on how and where to see the various fa
27 December 2021
Avian influenza - centre update
Cases of avian influenza are widespread in Great Britain and we have sadly had a confirmed case in our collection birds at Washington Wetland Centre. We are working with the relevant government agencies and are taking measures to prevent the spread of t
17 December 2021