News
Honoring Paddy Mackie: A Legacy of Conservation and Community
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and Castle Espie founder, Paddy Mackie, who left us peacefully last week.The end of an era, indeed. For many in Belfast, Mackie’s Engineering was more than just a name—it was a place where many
11 March 2025
Recent Sightings 10th March 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a high tide. The bird of the week is the Coot. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Eider 22, Black-headed Gull 24, Light-bellied Brent Goose
10 March 2025
Recent Sightings 3rd March 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. the bird of the week is the Red-breasted Merganser. This species of duck can be seen out on the estuary, best viewed from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observat
3 March 2025
Recent Sightings 24th February 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a high tide. The bird of the week is the Long-tailed Tit. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 54, Eider 10, Black-headed Gull 19, Herring
24 February 2025
Recent Sightings 17th February 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. The bird of the week is the Chiffchaff. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 16, Eider 17, Black-headed Gull 6, Herring Gull 2
17 February 2025
Recent Sightings 10th February 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a high tide. The bird of the week is the Black-tailed Godwit. This species is a fairly large wading bird with long black coloured legs and a long, straight or very slightly u
10 February 2025
Recent Sightings 3rd February 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. The bird of the week is the Siskin. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 9, Eider 42, Great black backed gull 3, Black-h
3 February 2025
Seriously squelchy fun awaits families at Mudfest 2025 this February half-term
Grab your wellies and head to WWT Castle Espie this February half term, 8-16 February for Mudfest 2025. NEW this year, Mudfest is nine days of mud-themed activities, guaranteed to entertain the whole family, as well as help visitors discover the superp
30 January 2025
Get lost in your own wetland adventure at WWT Castle Espie this World Wetlands Day
Claim your free ticket to explore our wetlands!
29 January 2025
Recent Sightings 28th January 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a high tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 2, Oystercatcher 278, Redshank 1, Light-bellied brent goose 12, Curlew 32, Red-bre
28 January 2025
A Tribute to the Wishing Tree
Storm Eowyn has left its mark, and sadly, our beloved Wishing Tree—a centrepiece of our site, a symbol of wonder, and the heart of many traditions—has suffered greatly. This gnarled and charismatic old friend has stood through countless seasons, in
28 January 2025
Recent Sightings 20th January 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 4, Oystercatcher 128, Redshank 24, Hooded crow 4, Light-bellied brent goose 84, Bla
20 January 2025
Recent Sightings 13th January 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a high tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 4, Oystercatcher 98, Redshank 1, Hooded crow 1, Shelduck 14, Knot 4, Wigeon 1, Gad
13 January 2025
Recent Sightings 6th January 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 4, Oystercatcher 72, Redshank 4, Hooded crow 2, Light-bellied brent goose 88, Curle
6 January 2025
Recent Sightings 30th December 2024
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie on a high tide Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Herring gull 2, Oystercatcher 450, Redshank 2, Black-headed gull 1, Curlew 1, Knot 150, Wigeon 6
30 December 2024