Trifter

THE Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre is one of nine sites maintained in the UK by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

It has a number of different zones.  Spring Gill Wood is just over six acres of mature oak woodland with grasslands, ponds and streams which just begs to be explored.

Hawthorn Wood Wild Bird Feeding Sation feeds our native species of woodland birds through the winter season.  During this time, bullfinches, great spotted woodpeckers, jays and sparrowhawks are among the tips of indigenous birds that can be watched feeding here.

The wonders of our natural wetlands can be experienced in the Glaxo Welcome Wetland Discovery Centre with its interactive exhibits and exciting displays.

WWT was funded by ornithologist Peter Scott and has followed a programme of conservation throughout the world. Its mission is to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity, which the trust believes are of vital importance to the quality and maintenance of all life.  The trust introduces both adults and children to the wonders of wetland birds and their habitats all over the world.  It restores habitats,  conducts breeding programmes and introduces threatened species back into the wild.  The trust also conducts research into the knowledge and information needed for conservation action.  The great success story at Washington is that of the Nene or Hawaiian Goose, the state bird of Hawaii, which was brought back from the edge of extinction.

The centre has large flocks of ducks, swans and other geese, Most of the ducks and geese hatch in the James Steel Waterfowl Nursery.  Visitors can watch the fledglings take their first halting steps during the breeding season of late May to mid July.  The centre can supply details on special tours during this time.

A colony of Chilean Flamingos was imported during 1986 and has bred successfully most years since.  Their spectacular displays of courtship can be observed throughout the summer months.  This colony often makes use of the Catherine Cookson Flamingo House which was donated to the centre by the late novelist, Tyneside’s favourite daughter.

The diageo and heron hides offer wonderful views of wild Grey Herons.  At least 25 pairs of these birds have nested here each year.  There is a close circuit television camera controlled from the Waterside Café which allows visitors to view individual nests during the breeding season (February to May).

A new farmyard exhibit, bell Cottage Farm, which is the home of Indian Runner and Call Ducks, tells the story of how wildfowl have been domesticated over thousands of years.

Even the children are catered for when they can let off steam in the adventure play area.

The Waterside Café, which is licensed serves meals and light refreshments daily.  It also offers delightful views over the main ponds.

Washington Wildfowl Centre has free parking, picnic areas a gift and book shop and a parent and baby room.  It is possible to hire binoculars while watching the birds.

There is excellent disabled access throughout the centre, including many of the hides.  Almost all of the paths have been tarmacked to provide access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.  The centre offers free wheelchair hire (including one electric wheelchair) and there are purpose built toilets.  Guide dogs are allowed into the grounds and the centre can arrange talks and tactile tours by prior arrangement.

Washington Wildfowl Park is located at District 15, east of Washington New Town.  There are buses to Waterview Park, a 200 metre walk from the centre from Washington New Town, Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne, South Shields and Sunderland.  Cyclists can reach it by using the River Wear Trail or the C2C Route and cycle racks are provided.

The centre is open from 09:30 to 17:00 each day from April to October and from 09:30 to 16:00 from November to March daily except Christmas Day.

Further information can be obtained from 0191 416 5454 and the centre has a website on