News
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
Wetlands and wildlife charity to drop debut album, ‘imMERSE’
In a move sure to set the music world quacking, WWT announces the launch of its highly anticipated debut album, ‘imMERSE’.
1 April 2025
'Delays mean deaths - ban toxic lead ammunition now', experts urge government
Environmental charities and campaigners insist there is still time for the government to save thousands of waterbirds from needless and painful deaths despite another delay on the decision to ban toxic lead ammunition.
18 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
Experts express concern over dramatic loss of Bewick’s swans in Britain
But the solution lies where land meets water.
5 March 2025
Promising signs for Malagasy wildlife and communities as Lake Sofia dam almost complete
A new dam to re-establish Lake Sofia – release site for the critically endangered Madagascar pochard – is now close to completion. This is thanks to the hard work of staff from WWT and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT), who collectively raised over £100,000 for the emergency action and worked tirelessly with the contractors, local authorities and local communities to turn this project around in time for the onset of the 2025 rainy season, throwing an essential lifeline to the wildlife and communities that call it home.
17 February 2025
WWT statement on the reaction to our lead ammunition campaign video
WWT is the charity for wetlands and wildlife. For the last two decades, we’ve been leading a coalition of partners campaigning for the ban on the sale and use of toxic lead ammunition in Britain, which kills up to 100,000 wildfowl every year. On Tuesday
15 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
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
Get lost in your own adventure this World Wetlands Day
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2025, we're encouraging nature lovers to explore the hidden worlds within wetlands with a free ticket offer.
21 January 2025
“Throw birds a lifeline and ban toxic lead ammunition”, wildlife experts urge government
Charities, campaigners and parliamentarians are urging the government to end years of delay and decades of poisoning by bringing in a swift, complete ban on the sale and use of toxic lead ammunition in Great Britain.
7 January 2025
WWT to restore saltmarsh on the Awre peninsula
WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, has today announced that it has agreed the purchase of 148-hectares of low-lying land on the Awre peninsula for a pioneering saltmarsh restoration project.
10 December 2024
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
Bewick’s swans knock on the doors at WWT Slimbridge
The first Bewick’s swans have arrived in the UK following their annual migration from Russia.
12 November 2024