Changes take flight at Washington Wetland Centre - here's what to expect at the local favourite

Admiring a flamboyance of Chilean flamingos as they preen their elegant necks and flash their wings you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a remote part of the world, instead of the banks of the Wear.

Washington Wetland Centre has been bringing the wonders of the natural world to Washington for more than 50 years after being created on 103 acres of former farmland in the then new town.

Since then, it’s captured countless imaginations with its collection of 198 birds - and one otter - covering around 40 avian species.

In a sign of the times, this year there’s been seasonal changes made as the centre adapts to the current climate.

For the autumn and winter season, the centre’s introduced reduced opening hours, which means that from November 2 the centre will be closed Mondays to Thursdays and open Fridays to Sundays.

These hours will increase during school holidays, as well as in February when the centre will only be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

In the summer season, the centre’s busiest time, its opening hours will go back to seven days a week, from March 1 to August 31.

Staff at the centre, which is part of WWT conservation charity, say they’ve had to introduce the seasonal hours to ensure a sustainable future.

Gill Pipes, centre manager at Washington Wetland Centre explained: “Like many charities across the UK, we're facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures, alongside historically lower visitor numbers during quieter times of the year.

“Moving to a seasonal opening pattern is an important step in helping us respond to these challenges while continuing to care for wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them.”

But with this week being Half Term, it’s business as usual for WWT with a seven day a week bumper autumnal offering.

The Super Natural event is running all this week until Sunday, November 1 with a programme of hands on activities, including shortbread decorating, wild walks, otter talks, fairy ring wreath making, willow wand and marshland potion making, owl pellet dissection and pond dipping.

I met with Laura Jackson, marketing manager at Washington Wetlands Centre, for a walk around this urban oasis just minutes off the throng of the A19.

“It’s such a great place for wellness where people can walk in a really safe environment,” said Laura as we strolled around one of its two loops around the site. “We have lots of different areas to explore around the site. You can really switch off here.”

The hides are an ideal place to really escape the 9-5, with their views over the River Wear and up to Penshaw Monument as well as the site’s own wetlands.

The most popular residents at the beauty spot meanwhile are, unsurprisingly, the striking flock of flamingos and otter, Buster.

Buster used to share his enclosure with his dad Musa who sadly died earlier this month at the grand old age of 17,

The Asian short-clawed otter was the oldest of his species across WWT’s 10 UK sites and has fathered many of the charity’s otters.

“Musa had never been without his dad and had been grieving but he seems a lot brighter today,” explained Laura.

Mark Tabone swapped working in zoos to become living collections manager at the site.

He spoke of how Musa’s death had hit them, and Buster, hard, but the many visitors to the site have been showing their support, which has lifted their spirits.

“Our otters are such a big draw for people - everyone knows them and loves them,” he said.

Speaking about getting to know the feathered residents, he said: “When I first started, I thought all birds would be the same, but that’s not the case at all, they all have their individual characters.

“One of our flamingos Fux, for example, is always up to no good and is a big character in the flock. What’s been exciting this year is that for the first time in 10 years our flamingos have been building nests. We didn’t get any eggs, but it’s promising and shows that they are happy with improvements we’ve made to their welfare.

“What’s great about this species is that they really egg each other on. So when one is building a nest the others will surround it and go really vibrant pink as a show of support.”

He added: “I’m blown away by how all the regular visitors know the birds, too. It’s been so eye-opening working here. I worked in zoos for 16 years, but this site is so personal and family-orientated.

“Not only does it allow people to get up close to nature, and the wellbeing benefits that come with that, it’s also really educational.”

Note: From November 2 the centre will be closed Mondays to Thursdays and open Fridays to Sundays. Increased hours will operate in the Christmas holidays.

Washington Wetlands Centre admission

Adults tickets are priced from £11.07, kids tickets from £7.20, family tickets from £31.05 and concessions and young adults from £9.90. Under threes and carers assisting a disabled visitor go free.

You can support the conservation work of the WWT charity and visit all 10 of its sites with unlimited entry by becoming a member.

An annual adult membership is £63, and a family membership (two adults and up to six children) is from £87.

For more information on joining visit www.wwt.org.uk/