WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre Reopens Following Recent Closure
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open and welcoming back visitors after a temporary closure due to a confirmed case of avian influenza.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre will welcome back visitors from Monday 23rd January 2023 following a temporary closure due to a confirmed case of Avian Influenza.
The centre closed its doors in October 2022 following The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) guidelines and has worked in partnership with DAERA to take measures to protect the birds at the centre.
In order to continue to protect the birds in our care, the resident collection bird section of the site will be temporarily closed with a new visitor path providing access to the rest of the reserve site. Visitors can still see some of the wetland superstars from around the world from the Kingfisher café window as they settle into their new quarters. These include the Hawaiian Geese, African Comb ducks, Greenland White Fronted Geese and Patagonian crested ducks.
The cafe and shop are open as usual as are the sensory garden, art gallery and wildwood play. Visitors will have access to our nature reserve with woodland walks, bird hides and the wonderful mosaic of wetland habits which our precious native wetland wildlife call home.
Paul Stewart, Centre Manager said:
WWT Castle Espie is delighted to reopen to visitors following a temporary closure from October last year. Protecting the birds in our care and those seeking winter refuge on our reserve is always our utmost priority and we were grateful for the support and understanding from our supporters while we were closed. Although our resident collection birds have been temporarily rehomed, to separate them from wild birds and the public for their wellbeing, we have developed a new visitor route to enable full access to the rest of this stunning reserve. Thankfully, we’re now able to welcome visitors back to enjoy the beauty and Giant Spirit of this wetland centre.
Visitors will return to a range of activities including history tours, birdwatch mornings and guide in the hide with onsite expert John McCullough. Join a guide and learn about the work of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on species conservation and habitats and the fascinating human history of the site.
Families will enjoy the events for February midterm break including: ‘The Big Hide Out’ featuring bird box building and birdwatching, make a birdfeeder with a recycled plastic bottle, make a mini-beast motel, plant a sunflower seed and take a mini-beast hunt. Plus join resident expert John McCullough at Scrabo Tower play area and take part in some woodland birdwatching. See all upcoming events.
For further information follow WWT Castle Espie on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More information about Avian Influenza
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Public Health Agency advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low.
If you find a sick or dead bird, please do not touch it or pick it up. For more information visit the DAERA website.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has remained widespread across the UK throughout this year and can be carried by wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter.
