WWT was awarded a grant to develop a new hide at Washington Wetland Centre’s saline lagoon that would both complement its surrounding environment and be accessible for all. The hide’s roof design meant that no poles were needed, enabling the inside of the hide to be an open-plan and fully accessible space. The roof was designed as a wildlife habitat for invertebrates as well as insulating sound coming from inside the hide so wildlife outside remained undisturbed.

Seating inside the hide is movable to ensure visitors are also able to see outside.  A new path, adapted for buggy and mobility aid usage, was created to help visitors access the hide. Seating was also created in the surrounding meadows, including wheelchair accessible picnic benches made from recycled agricultural waste.

Volunteers learnt construction skills during the hide’s assembly and took part in disability awareness and habitat management training to support visitors and help record and monitor the surroundings. Volunteer-led ‘Guide in the Hide’ sessions are delivered to help visitors learn about the area’s environment.

Since the hide opened 80 species of birds have been logged at the lagoon and 60 species of invertebrates in the hide’s roof. The lagoon is now an important location for wildlife surveys with results shared with county recorders.

“It’s difficult to believe that the hide has been in place for only two years, it’s such a well-used and loved feature of our site," explained Gill Pipes, centre Manager.

"It’s one of our most successful projects ever. Visitors are regularly treated to sightings of kingfisher from the hide, a real treat for everyone as these birds can sometimes be quite elusive. Other regular animals to be seen include roe deer and otter. What a treat.”