- Play Hard
- 18th Jun 2025
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WWT Washington Wetland Centre reopens hidden woodland after a decade
- Advertisement Feature
© Mark Whitelock
After over a decade, WWT Washington Wetland Centre’s most enchanting hidden gem has finally reopened to the public.
Say hello to Wet Wood – a wetland woodland wonderland nestled in the heart of WWT Washington Wetland Centre.
This unique, serene spot has been off-limits for years… until now.
INSIDE THE SECRET WOODLAND
Expect winding streams, hundreds of native trees, lush ferns and the sound of birdsong. Wet Wood is a peaceful pocket of nature unlike anywhere else on the 103-acre reserve – a perfect escape for a slow stroll, quiet reflection or a bit of wildlife spotting.
Over the last year, Washington Wetland Centre’s brilliant team of staff and volunteers have been lovingly restoring the area, led by Reserve Manager John Gowland. It’s been a full-on project: clearing glades, reshaping water channels, building dams, relaying pathways and planting over 200 native trees.
A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE AND PLANT LOVERS
Wet Wood is a perfect home for biodiversity. One of its most famous residents? The willow tit – a tiny, red-listed bird that’s rapidly disappearing across the UK. But thanks to all the hard work at WWT Washington Wetland Centre, this little bird is making a comeback.
“We’ve seen several breeding attempts around Wet Wood already,” says John. “It’s a real sign that the habitat is working.”
And the surprises don’t stop there. The team has recently discovered a cluster of royal ferns – a beautiful wetland-loving plant not found anywhere else on the reserve. These ferns are they’re little eco-heroes, helping stabilise soil, clean the air, support small mammals and even improve water quality.
A LIVING LANDSCAPE THAT’S JUST GETTING STARTED
John and the team are proud of what they’ve achieved – but this is just the beginning.
“There’s so much potential in this space, and we’re keen to get feedback from visitors to help shape how Wet Wood evolves in the future.”
John says.
Plans are already in motion for creative workshops, art trails and hands-on nature experiences, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the year.
WHAT’S ON AT WWT WASHINGTON WETLAND CENTRE THIS SUMMER
P.S. If you book your WWT Washington Wetland Centre tickets online, you’ll get 10% off.
WWT Washington Wetland Centre, Barmston Lane, Pattinson, Washington NE38 8LE
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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