Washington news
Willow tit citizen science project needs YOUR help
Washington Wetland Centre is asking the public to be its ‘eyes and ears’ as it works to help protect the red-listed willow tit...Citizen scientists are needed to help WWT Washington save the UK’s fastest declining resident bird species. Our team
26 January 2023
Tales from the Heron Hedge
By Kate Ferguson, reserve warden A prehistoric-sounding squawk echoes across the river as a large shadow flies overhead, stick in beak, and scattering lapwing everywhere. It’s a majestic grey heron, returning from a trip to gather nesting material fr
19 January 2023
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,
8 January 2023
Elf Academy graduates donate Christmas gifts to North East children
More than 150 children across the North East will receive an extra special festive gift this year, thanks to WWT Washington’s Elf Academy graduates. The donated presents form part of the wetland centre’s annual Christmas event, which sees youngster
20 December 2022
Top 5 things to do over the festive holidays
Getting out and about in nature can be particularly rewarding after a busy few weeks of Christmas shopping, parties and family gatherings - so don't forget to plan in your down-time! Here's our 'top 5' things to do during a visit to Washington Wetland C
18 December 2022
Recovering Chilean flamingo defies odds
A Chilean flamingo from the flock at Washington Wetland Centre has defied odds after undergoing medical procedure. Our team of keepers alongside WWT veterinarian, Julian Keleş, noticed during a routine check that 'TAX', a 40 year old Chilean flamingo, h
13 December 2022
Wader Lake project reaching new depths
A project designed to bring wetland wildlife and people closer together is reaching new depths out on WWT Washington’s reserve. Wader Lake, one of our site’s best wildlife hotspots, has been the focus of desilting works for more than a year, with a
1 December 2022
Soak in the wild at WWT Washington 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 why not visit WWT Washington this season and enjoy a wild winter adventure as you d
24 November 2022
Seasonal species highlights - autumn hints and tips
Autumn this year has proved to be great so far, with lots of bird species being spotted on our reserve. Many visitors ask us for species highlights to look out for during a visit, so bearded tits aside (these were spotted around our saline lagoon on Sat
4 November 2022
Top 5 things to do this October half term
Visiting our wetlands in autumn can be truly amazing. But it's great to have an idea when visiting with family and friends of the best things to do while you're here. With this in mind, we wanted to share our TOP 5 things to do this half term week! 1
17 October 2022
Wetland-inspired words to mark National Poetry Day
It's #NationalPoetryDay, the annual celebration of making, experiencing and sharing poetry.This year's theme is 'Environment', with a call to action to find or write a poem that speaks about something you’d like to change or praise about the environment
6 October 2022
13 reasons why we LOVE otter Musa on his birthday
As our otter dad Musa celebrates his 13th birthday, we take a look at why he's such a hit
3 October 2022
Eeks!sperience the weird but wonderful side of wetlands
Be part of our eek! Weeks interactive family wildlife trail this October
29 September 2022
Success for new otter enrichment tools
When it comes to mental wellbeing, it’s not just us humans who benefit from a bit of mindfulness every now and then. Our Asian short-clawed otter family – Musa, Mimi and their son Buster – are carefully monitored by our team to ensure that their
27 September 2022
Restore your wellbeing in our wetlands this autumn
To experience wetlands in autumn is to know them at their most restorative. Just as they offer a two-way rest and refuelling point for migrating birds and sanctuary to thousands of animals as the colder weather creeps in, they also provide the perfect pl
15 September 2022