Rural haven 30 minutes from newcastle to reopen for first time in 10 years

A RARE WETLAND AREA FILLED WITH A VARIETY OF PLANTS AND BIRDS CAN BE SEEN AGAIN BY VISITORS AS PART OF A 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PROJECT 17:06, 27 May 2025Updated 17:13, 27 May 2025 A beautiful

stretch of wetland and woodland which is home to a protected willow tit bird is being opened up to visitors for the first time in more than a decade. Wet Wood at Washington which also boasts

numerous species of fern - one not seen anywhere else locally - as well as meandering streams amongst hundreds of native trees hasn't been seen by the public for at least 10 years. It

forms part of the site of WWT Washington Wetland Centre in Wearside whose staff and volunteers have been restoring the area over the past year and are now ready to reveal the results. The

nature haven has announced that this rare wetland will be welcoming back visitors this week as part of celebrations to mark its 50-year anniversary. As previously reported, WWT Washington

near Sunderland is much-loved escape for visitors from the area - being just under a half-hour drive from Newcastle - as well as those beyond. Having opened on May 29, 1975, this Thursday

will mark its big birthday and tours of Wet Wood - which it describes as a 'space of tranquillity and peace - will be on offer for the first time on this milestone day, along with a

chance to enjoy a cake and a drink. The centre says that at the heart of the 'magical' area is a habitat unlike any other on its 103-acre site. And its here that the willow tit is

one of many birds that can be regularly seen and heard in the woodland. This species is 'red-listed', which means it is on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern list due to its

rapid population decline. To help with protection, it's been the focus of an ongoing project by the WWT team and now Wet Wood can offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the

species. The transformation work in this area of rare wetlands has been led by reserve manager John Gowland and has involved planting more than 200 native trees while cutting back vegetation

to open up glades; digging and relocating large amounts of soil to create new water channels and building dozens of dams to steer and slow the flow of the water. The workers have also fixed

and re-laid pathways as well creating new natural fence lines. Article continues below Now that it ready to open and add to the centre's visitor attractions, John says: "I'm

really proud of what we've managed to achieve as a team. We have lots of plans and ideas moving forward and there will continue to be lots of changes for visitors to enjoy throughout

the seasons." He added: "We're really looking forward to showing people around this fantastic woodland and are keen for our supporters to feed into our plans to help steer how

we develop Wet Wood over the coming months and years." He says the team has worked "incredibly hard" to reach this point and the result is "a fantastic example of

biodiversity with lots of plant species to enjoy and bird calls to listen out for". He said: "The habitat in and around Wet Wood is incredibly diverse and offers an insight into

what can be achieved when woodland meets water. We know from our research over the past two years that willow tits prefer breeding in areas of standing deadwood nearer water sources and

there have been several breeding attempts by this special bird species around these woodlands. "Our work to restore the area will bring benefits for willow tit and many other bird

species." The work also uncovered a small area of royal fern which "thrilled" the team as it is a plant which has not been found anywhere else on the reserve. "We're

hoping to build on this find and introduce this fantastic plant to other areas of Wet Wood," said John. It is type of large fern which thrives in damp, wetland environments and is

something of a 'superpower', both acting as a habitat for invertebrates, amphibians and small mammals and also helping to support wetland restoration by improving soil stability

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bargains community It offers ground cover too, which can support other plants, and it absorbs excess nutrients which improve water quality. This Thursday's visitors to the centre can be

the first to see Wet Wood, which is opposite the otter exhibit, and drop-in tours will be taking place between 11am and 2pm. The woodlands are to be a permanent addition to the visitor

attractions. For more about what's on offer there see its website here.