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Washington Wetland Centre (WWT)

Pattinson, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 8LE

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About this venue

Washington Wetland Centre area is home to exotic birds, amazing insects, beautiful wild scenery and so much more. Here you can experience wonderful wildlife up close and have a great family day out as you discover 45 hectares of stunning wetlands and woodland on the River Wear. This recreated wetland provides a 'stop over' and wintering habitat for migratory waterbirds after their passage over the North Sea. It is a haven for curlew and redshank and a breeding ground for flocks of herons.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a visitor centre and café.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include a nature reserve and wildfowl collection.

Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Winter (November to March))

  • Monday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Friday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Saturday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Sunday 09:30 - 16:30.

Opening Times (Wetland Centre - Summer (April to October))

  • Monday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Friday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Saturday 09:30 - 17:30.
  • Sunday 09:30 - 17:30.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is East Boldon.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located off Barmstone Lane.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 356cm x 493cm (11ft 8.16in x 16ft 2.09in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 87m (285.43308ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 99m (324.80316ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Level Change (Car Park to Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading from the car park to the main entrance.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located to the front of the Visitor Centre.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is under 75cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.

Exit

  • The exit area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There is a single manual door at this exit.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 98cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you exit.

Reception and Gift Shop

  • Access to the Shop View
    • The reception and gift shop are located to the left of the Main Entrance.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the shop.
  • Shop View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
    • Some aisles did have obstructions at the time of the survey, these included: additional stock.
    • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • There is wayfinding signage.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Payment Counters and Checkouts View
    • The payment counter is located to the left side of the shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The card payment machine is at a height of 90cm.
    • The payment machine is at a fixed height.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Visitor Centre from Nature Reserve)

  • This entrance is located to the left side of the Visitor Centre.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • There is a steep slope on the approach to this entrance.

Eating and Drinking (Waterside Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the rear left of the visitor centre.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3.28084ft) from the café entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Entrance (Waterside Café)

  • This entrance is located to the left hand side of the Visitor Centre.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance (Visitor Centre - Right Hand Side)

  • This entrance is located to the right hand side of the Visitor Centre.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 89cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Generic (Playscape)

  • Playscape is a children's play area.
  • Playscape is located at the front left of the inner circuit.
  • There are no gates to access the area.
  • There is a variety of play equipment for varying age groups.
  • The surface around the equipment is a soft safety matting and loose bark.
  • Some of the equipment is accessed by steps.
  • The steps can be overcome by slopes.
  • The gradients of the slopes are easy.
  • The pathways through the area are tarmac.

Parks and Gardens (Nature Reserve)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, loose wood chippings, tarmac and gravel surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight and steep slopes on the paths.
  • There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There are fox proof gates throughout the nature reserve.
  • There are 2 sets of gates at the fox proof gated entrances.
  • The first gate opens towards you.
  • The gate is single and heavy.
  • The opening width is 102cm.
  • The second gate opens away from you.
  • The gate is single and heavy.
  • The opening width is 112cm.
  • All fox proof gates are similar.

Generic (Hides)

  • There are a number of hides throughout the nature reserve.
  • The entrance to Hawthorn Wood Hide opens away from you.
  • The entrance is heavy.
  • The opening width is 85cm.
  • There is a moderate ramp to the right as you face the entrance.
  • There are no handrails at the ramp.
  • There is a moderate slope leading to the entrance.
  • There are viewing seats and benches in the hide.
  • There is a lowered viewing window. The height is 71cm.
  • The height of the desks at the higher windows is 91cm.
  • The Northumbrian Water hide, Paddy Fleming hide, Diageo hide and Prince's Trust hide have no doors.
  • The width of these entrances is 106cm.
  • There are easy slopes to access these hides.
  • The other hides are similar.

Generic (Parent and Baby Room)

  • The room is located to the right hand side of the Visitors Centre.
  • The room is 7m from the Main Entrance.
  • There is a wash basin in the room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 83cm.
  • The taps are twist / turn.
  • There is a nappy bin.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The height of the baby change table is 87cm.
  • There is a standard toilet in the room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left hand side of the Visitor Centre.
    • The distance from the Main Entrance is 24m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 195cm (width) x 190cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 124cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 74cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Inner Circuit Compost Toilet - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located off the pathway leading from the inner circuit to the nature reserve, to the rear of the grounds, between the Asian Short-Clawed Otters and Northumbrian Water Hide.
    • The distance from the Waterside Café entrance is 375m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has slight ramps or slopes and a steep ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free access via slope into the facility.
    • The slope has a slight gradient.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 176cm (width) x 224cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is no flush for the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 83cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The toilet is a compost toilet.
    • The lid to the wood shavings container is 107cm from the floor.
    • There is a hand sanitiser.
    • The hand sanitiser can be reached from the seat.
    • The height of the hand sanitiser is 99cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Visitor Centre)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • There are not step(s) to access this area/service.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
  • Access to Wi-Fi is available.