The Washington Wetland Centre is one of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) nine national centres. Located in the North East of the United Kingdom in Tyne and Wear, on the River Wear, it covers an area of more than 45 hectares. It was formed as part of a major redevelopment of the area in 1975.
It includes a variety of wetland and woodland habitats and is also a wildlife reserve. The Wader Lake has four wildlife watching hides from which to view birds and other fauna. Common bird species include the Common Redshank Tringa tetanus and the Common Tern Sterna hirundo.
Several other ponds are found in the centre that attracts bird and wildlife.
The centre is currently creating an insect garden where families can learn more about what they see in their own gardens and how they can attract insects. There is also a successful breeding programme at the Centre.
A large visitor’s centre provides education facilities for children and adults. There is a café and a gift shop and an indoor play area for children with information panels and interactive learning tools. A Splash Zone and activities area provide good facilities for children to play outside. Each year there are up to 75,000 visitors, including 5,000 pupils on school trips.
Photo 1 provides a view of the information centre and the small wetland area it overlooks.
Photo 2 is a view of the breeding centre at Washington Wetlands.
Photo 3 shows information panels about the rare bird species that can be found at the wetland centre.
Photo 4 shows one of the bird hides in use and the information panel inside about bird feeding and breeding at the lake it overlooks.
Photo 5 was taken at the insect garden and shows an information panel and a member of the public visiting the site.
Photo 6 is of the education centre and depicts the many resources available for children and adults to learn about wetlands.
Photo 7 shows a fundraising initiative at Washing Wetland Centre. It is a donation tree and all people/ organisations who have contributed over a certain amount have a leaf plaque with their names.
Photo 8 is a view of the gift shop inside the education centre. It sells a wide range of toys, educational materials, clothing and souvenirs.
Photos 9 and 10 provide a view of the wetland from inside the education centre and shows informational panels about wetlands and wetland species.
