Families looking to make the most of the last few weeks of summer should head to Wearside’s WWT Washington Wetland Centre, where an extraordinary day out filled with new experiences and unique activities in nature awaits.
There’s a wow around every corner and something for all the family at the wetland reserve where over 300 collection bird species, from Chilean flamingos to black swans call home.
It’s also the last chance to catch sight of a variety of summer birds before they leave the UK on their migration journey, including regionally rare avocet and this year’s star, the sand martin.
Ensuring that everyone gets up close and personal with creatures, great and small, there’s a summer postcard trail, walks and talks to help you learn more about wetland wildlife, interactive play with nature playgrounds, hands-on events such pond dipping, and much more.
Offering both adventure and a deeper connection to nature, the postcard trail – new for Summer 2024 – encourages explorers of all ages, to search for personal messages from nine wetland animals, whose postcards can be found in all corners of the reserve. Using the activity trail guide, picked up from the visitor centre, families can embark on a quest to find the postcards and learn about interesting species around the globe.
Budding explorer Noah, aged 9, said:
“It was really fun looking for the postcards and hearing the animal’s stories. I liked that it got us exploring the wetlands more than usual. My favourite part was seeing dragonflies at the big ponds and doing pond dipping, which was so cool.”
Another visitor Joanne shared:
“We had a brilliant day today. My grandson loved the postcard trail.”
With plenty of days left to enjoy a summer of wonder in wetland nature, mini explorers can also get involved in lots of hands-on activities including den building, animal tracking, art workshops, moth mornings and many more events that the wetland centre has planned.
Gill Pipes, Centre Manager at WWT Washington, said:
“Visitors have been loving exploring our site this August. There’s a ton of opportunity for those on a Summer Staycation to have a wondrous day out. From unmissable meetings with otherworldly creatures and fabulous walks along the stunning wetlands, to the postcard trail which all the family will enjoy. It’s an experience like no other in the area.”
The summer of wonder activities at WWT Washington continues until 3 September with most activity costs included in the admission price or free to WWT members.
Visitors booking through WWT Washington’s mobile app can also take advantage of a 10% reduction off the wetland centre’s ticket prices. Full details here: https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/washington/experience/wwt-washington-app