One of WWT Washington's most diverse habitats marks 10 years in the making
We built it and they did come!
It has now been a decade since work began on creating one of WWT Washington’s most diverse and exciting habitats – our saline lagoon.
From the initial wildlife surveys in 2011, to the public opening in 2013 and unveiling of a new hide three years later, this amazing spot has gone from strength to strength; providing a tranquil haven for both human and animal visitors alike.
An example of one of the UK’s rarest habitats, it was designed to improve WWT Washington’s biodiversity by strengthening its connection to the River Wear.
Wildlife highlights have included an array of bird life – little egret, spoonbill, curlew, kingfisher and avocet to name a few – plus roe deer, Eurasian otter and an abundance of invertebrates and flora. The hide itself has also hosted a community art project, while volunteers play a huge role in the landscape’s maintenance and improvement.
Did you know?
Creating a new habitat...an early timeline of the saline lagoon...
2011 - extensive plant and invertebrate surveys are carried out on the existing sandpiper ponds.
January 9 2012 - contractors start work on the excavation of the new saline lagoon.
January - the realignment of the new perimeter fence is completed.
February - the old perimeter fence is removed and excavation work is completed.
March 7 - breach day! Spring tide floods in and fills the lagoon for the first time.
March - work starts on the new nature trail footpath, incorporating mature hawthorn wood, reedbed, the River Wear, lagoon, meadow and scrubby woodland glades.
May - the newly formed lagoon meadow edge is sown.
June – flash flooding washes away the new nature trail footpath.
October - an otter holt is installed on the lagoon bank.
February 2013 - tracks and signs indicate the otter holt is being used by a female and her young.
March - the visitor portals are installed.
April - work begins on repairing the nature trail footpath.
May 25 - the saline lagoon opens to the public.