News
Top 5 things to do this Christmas at WWT Castle Espie
Christmas is right around the corner and it’s truly a magical time to visit Castle Espie. Whether you’re making precious family memories with a visit to Santa Claus, or swapping the hustle and bustle for a calm and cosy bird hide, we have something
29 November 2024
October Half Term Promises a Week of Super Natural Activities at WWT Castle Espie
Families can tap into the magic that’s all around them at WWT Castle Espie this October half term, where wand making and spell casting are just a few of the mystical activities that will keep curious minds bewitched. Running from 26-31 October, the e
17 October 2024
Unique Brent goose sculpture unveiled as a tribute to inspiring Castle Espie volunteer
A stunning new sculpture of a Light-bellied Brent Goose called ‘The Spirit of Strangford Lough’ has been unveiled at WWT Castle Espie. Developed in collaboration with WWT Castle Espie and Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, the sculpture will not only welc
4 October 2024
Free Pre-Bookable Event Buses for the Shorelife Celebration!
The brand new Shorelife Celebration will provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart on Saturday 5 October. Admission to both venues is free (for both
18 September 2024
Dive into Autumn with the Shorelife Celebration!
Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues a
6 September 2024
New-for-Ireland moth species recorded at WWT Castle Espie
For the first time, a Glasswort moth (Scrobipalpa salicorniae) has been recorded in Ireland, thanks to WWT volunteer Stewart Rosell. Stewart has been surveying saltmarsh moths at WWT Castle Espie as part of a two-year project and made the exciting disc
26 August 2024
Summer's not over just yet! Find a wow around every corner at WWT Castle Espie
Make the most of the last few days of summer at WWT Castle Espie where an extraordinary day out filled with new experiences and unique activities in nature awaits. There’s a wow around every corner and something for all the family at the wetland reserv
21 August 2024
WWT announces award winning nature writer Dara McAnulty as its latest ambassador
WWT has appointed the award-winning nature writer and naturalist Dara McAnulty as their newest ambassador. Dara, who grew up near WWT’s Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Northern Ireland, often visits the nature reserve and credits the close encounters
14 August 2024
Poetry Jukebox returns to WWT Castle Espie
As a part of our Words for Wetlands theme this year, the Poetry Jukebox has returned to WWT Castle Espie’s Limekiln Observatory, where visitors can listen to a collection of poems while enjoying stunning views over Strangford Lough. The jukebox is op
31 July 2024
Experience a Summer of Wonder at WWT Castle Espie
Get ready for a summer of wonder at WWT Castle Espie as everyone is invited to explore, connect and enjoy creating new experiences, whilst deepening their understanding of the wonderful wetlands through a range of unique and interesting events and activit
1 July 2024
Volunteers’ Week: Learning Team help over 1,600 NI schoolchildren connect with nature
It’s Volunteers’ Week, and we’re celebrating the achievements of our Learning Team at Castle Espie, made possible by amazing support from volunteers! Through Generation Wild, a project spearheaded by WWT, 15,474 nature activities have been comple
3 June 2024
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
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