Wildlife centre gets off to a flying start after reopening
Washington Wetland Centre has had an encouraging reopening since it began to receive visitors again in the latest lockdown easing.
The nature reserve, run by the Wildlife and Wetland Trust charity had not been openinoverthreemonthsdue to Covid restrictions.
WashingtonWetlandCentre has also been accredited with the “Good to Go” stamp of approval. This is awarded by the Government’s tourism agency Visit Britain, and means the reserve is operating within Government guidelines for managing coronavirus risk.
Allgates,handrails,benches and signage are cleaned regularly and there are hand sanitisers across the site. The cafe is serving takeaway food and drink, which can be enjoyed at picnic spots around the site.
Social distancing measures mean that visitor numbers are very restricted. However, over 3,000 people have so far taken the opportunity to see wildlife in spring – and it has been business as usual for the animals.
Birds including ducks, geese and swans are starting to lay eggs. Also seen playing in the sunshine have been ottersand,thestarattractionfor many, pink flamingos.
Leanne McCormella, PR and marketing executive for the centre, said: “Since reopening on April 12, we’ve welcomed more than 3,000 people back through our doors, which has been wonderfulandwe’vehadsomefantasticfeedbackaboutpeople’s
experiences.
“That’s 60% fewer visitors than we’d typically expect at this time of year but we are limitingthenumberofpeople allowed on site, so that everyonecanreconnectwithnature safely and without worry.
“While we may have been closedtohumanvisitorsthese last few months, our wildlife has still been thriving, and there is so much to see right now.
“On Wader Lake, we have grey heron chicks in nests,
regionally rare avocet looking to nest build and the first commonternoftheseasonreturned on April 22.
"Although restrictions mean we’re unable to open our hides just yet, we’ve created new vantage points from which to see these fantastic waders and other wildlife in action.”
The venue is open from 10am to 4.30pm seven days a week. Last admission is 3.30pm. Visitors need to prebooktickets.Visitwwt.org.uk/ wetland-centres/washington