News
Wetland Conservation Charity collaborates with Mental Health Foundation to launch new guide on the benefits of Wetlands and Wellbeing
Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), the conservation charity which runs Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in partnership with leading mental health charity the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), have created aguide to help people improve their mental health and w
2 February 2021
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA visits Castle Espie
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Centre at Castle Espie, County Down, to see their work in biodiversity and protecting the natural environment.
12 November 2020
First ever sighting of Cattle Egret recorded at Castle Espie Wetland Centre
It’s that time of year when we see thousands of birds arrive on the shores of Strangford Lough from Northern and Eastern Europe, seeking milder winter weather. What might yet become the highlight of this year’s migration season is the first ever sighting
26 October 2020
Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Castle Espie this Autumn
Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.
14 October 2020
Castle Espie Wetland Centre teams up with Maghaberry Prison for Rehabilitation Programme
Like most businesses across Northern Ireland, Castle Espie Wetland Centre was closed to visitors throughout lockdown, yet behind the scenes work continued to maintain the wetland site.
30 July 2020
Vote to ban lead ammunition shot down again as dirty tricks prevail
Lead ban on hold yet again as last minute objection derails plans.
15 July 2020
Castle Espie accredited with UK wide COVID-19 safety standard
At Castle Espie the safety of our staff and visitors is a priority.
15 July 2020
Castle Espie Wetland Centre to re-open on 7 July
We are pleased to announce that Castle Espie Wetland Centre will re-open on Wednesday 7 July
30 June 2020
Northern Ireland’s only giant LEGO® brick wetland animal trail returns to Castle Espie
Back by popular demand, Northern Ireland’s only giant LEGO® brick wetland animal trail returns to WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Comber, Co. Down from the 29th February to 19th April.
4 March 2020
Make a Splash at the Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships 2020
Back by popular demand, the Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships return this February half term to WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre from Saturday 15 to Thursday 20 February.
4 February 2020
Wetland Conservation Charity Encourages Support of Local Wetland Centre on World Wetlands Day
On Sunday 2 February people across the globe will celebrate World Wetlands Day, highlighting the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. From the Arctic to the tropics, to a small corner of the shores of Strangford Lough, wetlands can be foun
31 January 2020
Escape to a Winter Wildlife Wonderland this Christmas
With 60 adventure-filled acres of wildlife brilliance and spectacular views across Strangford Lough, Christmas is a fantastic time to visit WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.
2 December 2019
Prepare to be spellbound this Halloween at Castle Espie
Wrap up warm this autumn and spend some time in our extraordinary wetland getting close to a wide range of species, playing with the leaves under your feet or participating in some spooky fun.
15 October 2019
Today's Sightings
Bewick’s swan Mute swan Whooper swan Canada goose Greylag goose White-fronted goose Gadwall Goldeneye Mallard Pintail Pochard Teal Tufted duck Shelduck Shoveler Wigeon Cattle egret Crane Great egret Little egret Cormorant Coot Moorhen Black-tailed godwi
16 January 2019
Wildlife sightings 16/01/19
a.m. mid/high tide Wader Lake Grey heron 3 Shoveler 4 male, 1 female Mute swan 2 Shelduck 9 Tufted duck Water rail (heard at Prince's Trust hide) Teal 15 Saline lagoon Teal 3 Hawthorn Wood Lesser redpoll 4 Mealy redpoll Brambling 10 Nuthatch Treecreeper G
16 January 2019