News
The best signs of Spring to look out for at Castle Espie
Wood sorrel. Credit: Jonny Clark Spring at Castle Espie is a magical time when nature bursts into a symphony of colours and life. Picture the landscape transforming into a kaleidoscope of hues as it teems with new beginnings. Here’s a taste of the be
22 March 2024
Bing and Flop are coming to WWT Castle Espie this Spring!
Bing and Flop, from the multi-award-winning animated children's television series, will be coming to WWT Castle Espie in a couple of weeks as part of ‘Bing’s Nature Explorers’ - a new joint event programme between WWT and independent creative studio
21 March 2024
Recent Sightings 11th March 2024
The tide was almost fully in for this morning’s count, meaning there was an amazing variety of waders out on the Estuary, and The Brent Hide is the perfect place to view them from as the water creeps up to the seawall. A large flock of Bar-tailed godwit
11 March 2024
Recent Sightings 4th March 2024
With an icy cold wind and the tide all the way out, this morning’s count was lacking a few of our usual residents – but there’s always something to see in nature! Despite the chill there was a Kingfisher on the Main Lake, making the most of the clea
4 March 2024
Recent Sightings 26th February 2024
Our rare visitor is still here! A Spotted redshank, an unusual sight at Castle Espie, seems to be sticking around the area for a while, often seen either on the Estuary or the Wadermarsh – both habitats can be seen perfectly from the Brent Hide on the R
27 February 2024
Recent Sightings 19th February 2024
Exciting news – a rare bird alert! This past week we’ve had a Spotted redshank (pictured) roaming through the waters of the Wadermarsh, feeding alongside Greenshank, Common redshank and Black-tailed godwits. Easily visible from the Brent Hide on the
20 February 2024
Recent Sightings 12th February 2024
Lots of variety on the Reserve and out on the Lough for this count, with lots of waders coming in with the tide and some of our favourite woodland birds making an appearance. Large numbers of Oystercatcher, Knot and Dunlin were out feeding on the mudflats
13 February 2024
Unmissable up-close encounters with our birds: the new walk-in aviary is here!
Ross's goose. Credit: Lesley BarkerThis week, our team have been busy adding the final touches to our new walk-in aviary – just in time for The Big Hideout! This means our fantastic collection birds are no longer netted off from our visitors. Instead,
9 February 2024
Feathered family fun: join our festival of bird-themed events for February half-term
WWT Castle Espie will be hosting a fun-filled festival of bird-themed events for February half-term, giving families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close with the UK’s greatest winter wildlife. Taking place from Monday 12 to Friday 16 February
8 February 2024
Recent Sightings 5th February 2024
The tide was slowly creeping out for this count, providing lots of waders and wildfowl that could easily be seen from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory. Large numbers of Knot were feeding on the mudflats with smaller Dunlin mixed into the group.
7 February 2024
Duck the stress this World Wetlands Day and visit WWT Castle Espie for a moment of calm
This World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2024, WWT Castle Espie wants everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland for a moment of calm. World Wetlands Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands
31 January 2024
Recent Sightings 29th January 2024
The tide was just starting to creep in for this mornings count, bringing into view Eider ducks and Goldeneye on the Strangford Lough waters. Large groups of Shelduck were on the mudflats, feeding on invertebrates and plant matter in the sand, alongside th
29 January 2024
Recent Sightings 22nd January 2024
After Storm Isha on Sunday night, the count on Monday morning seemed more like a roll call to see which birds hadn’t been blown away in the wind! Luckily, lots of our favourite visitors to the reserve managed to brave the stormy weather and hunker down
24 January 2024
'Weaving' nature, heritage skills, and mental health for Inspiring Textiles project
Newtownards based social enterprise Inspiring Yarns has been awarded a £99,927 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to implement a project called Inspiring Textiles at WWT Castle Espie. Inspiring Textiles at WWT Castle Espie will significantly f
18 January 2024
Recent Sightings 15th January 2024
Such a beautiful, crisp morning for a count, and although the wind was icy cold, there were stunning views over the Reserve and out onto Strangford Lough. The tide was out, and mixed flocks of Brent geese and Shelduck were busy feeding on the exposed mudf
16 January 2024