Be up close to nature once again at centre

Wildlife watchers can see nature up close and in comfort again ads one of the North East’s most popular reserves reopens.

The hides at WWT Washington Wetland Centre will be reopening to visitors on Monday May 17.

With Government restrictions lifting, the hide sat centre’s Hawthorn Wood, Wader Lake and the saline lagoon will welcome people back for the first time since last summer.

Social distancing, limited numbers, mask wearing and Perspex screens dividing the hides into household areas will be in place.

Centre manager Gill Pipes said: “We know how important the hides are to so many of our visitors – from birdwatchers and photographers to young first-time enthusiasts and we can’t wait to see people return and start using them again.

“We have traditional wooden hides looking out onto the various habitats – which are crammed full of spectacular wildlife at Wader Lake and Hawthorn Wood, as well as the larger discovery hide at the Saline Lagoon for a more panoramic view."

Washington Wetland Centre has been accredited with the ‘Good to Go’ stamp of approval, which means the site is operating within Government guidelines and public health guidance for managing coronavirus risk.

Visitor numbers remain restricted and a booking system is in place for all visitors. There are also hand sanitisers all around the site.

The cafe is serving food and drinks - with a small amount of indoor seating, plus a variety of picnic tables and benches across site.

For more information go to wwt.org.uk/Washington