News
Recent Sightings 21st April 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a receding tide. The bird of the week is the Sedge Warbler.Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln ObservatoryShelduck 31, Eider 2, Black-headed Gull 10, Oystercatch
21 April 2025
Recent Sightings 14th April 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. The bird of the week is the Grey Wagtail. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 2, Eider 10, Black-headed Gull 14, Light-bellied
14 April 2025
Recent Sightings 7th April 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a High tide. The bird of the week is the Blackcap.Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln ObservatoryShelduck 25, Eider 28, Black-headed Gull 9, Light-bellied Brent
7 April 2025
WWT Castle Espie partners with Aardman to launch Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt
Families in Northern Ireland can enjoy a brand new Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT Castle Espie (5th April – 1st June) as WWT partners with animation studio Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hu
5 April 2025
Recent Sightings 31st March 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a low tide. The bird of the week is the Reed Bunting. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 20, Eider 10, Black-headed Gull 66, Light-belli
31 March 2025
Recent Sightings 24th March 2025
The following sightings were taken from the reserve at Castle Espie during a receding tide. The bird of the week is the Linnet. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Shelduck 38, Eider 14, Black-headed Gull 40, Light-bellie
24 March 2025
Recent Sightings 17th March 2025
The following sightings were taken today from the reserve at Castle Espie during a rising tide. The bird of the week is the Peregrine Falcon. Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory Black-headed Gull 10, Light-bellied Brent
17 March 2025
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