Discover Wildlife Wonders
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is celebrating gardening for wildlife throughout March by hosting a medley of green-fingered events and activities. Events begin this weekend so bring the family down for a morning or afternoon of Den Building. Kids will, with on hand expert advice, build their own play den in our woodland with only branches, string, and leaves (17 & 18 March 11am & 2pm). Castle Espie are delighted to welcome the Owl Man who will be bringing along Rowan, the male European Eagle Owl and Nica the Great Grey Owl, and a collection of wild rehabilitated hedgehogs (17 March 12noon to 4.30pm).
Whether you have a tiny backyard, a strip of lawn or a huge back garden; everyone can do their bit to create a bountiful oasis for wildlife. So join us for ‘Wildlife in your Garden’ event on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th March for a weekend of walks, talks, stalls and demonstrations. Learn about identifying garden plants and tips to maintain them. Conservation Volunteers NI, Butterfly Conservation NI, BTO, Castle Espie Birdwatch Club, Belfast and District Beekeepers Association, Harrisons of Greyabbey and Philip Allen, Permaculture expert will be on hand giving advice on making gardens sustainable, identifying garden birds and butterflies. Castle Espie Art Gallery will feature the exhibition ‘Glimpse of Nature’ by local wildlife artist Lorna Hamilton. So with spring in the air, it’s a perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy everything our wildlife and gardens have to offer. For full details on all our events please visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie, email Maeve Curran on maeve.curran@wwt.org.uk or call 028 9174 146. Follow us on Twitter @WWTcastleespie.
A couple of simple tips for attracting birds to your garden
The once common house sparrow, not as vibrant as some birds but just as charming, has seen numbers decline by 60 per cent since the 1970s and is now red-listed as a species of high conservation concern. Insects are a main source of food for the sparrow, often found within dense hedge rows and climbers, so encouraging insects and planting suitable nesting areas will boost your chances of them becoming a regular visitor.
Become a WWT member when you visit and not only will you get your entrance fee refunded, but you can then enjoy great days out for a full 12 months for FREE. Our centre is open 364 days a year and with annual family membership only £66 for two adults and up to six children (or just £5.50 a month, plus a free book for joining by Direct Debit) it ‘pays for itself’ after just three visits. Members also receive an exclusive quarterly magazine, Waterlife, which keeps you up to date on what’s going on at all nine WWT UK wetland centres and has information about WWT’s exciting conservation projects saving species from extinction and caring for important wetlands around the world. Ask a 
member of staff or visit http://www.wwt.org.uk/become-a-member/ for details.
