Castle Espie news

Some of the world's largest wild ducks have arrived at Castle Espie and are waiting to meet you.

Some of the world's largest wild ducks have arrived at Castle Espie and are waiting to meet you.

Some of the world’s largest wild ducks have arrived at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and are waiting to meet you. The comb ducks are more than twice the size of a rugby ball and have a wingspan approaching 5 feet, or 1.5 metres wide. They would have n

3 July 2013

Have a splashing time at Castle Espie this summer!

Have a splashing time at Castle Espie this summer!

With summer in full swing, a visit to Castle Espie can make other days out seem a little......dry! Spending time near or in water is an essential summer experience and makes for unforgettable family memories – you can play with it, adventure on it, gaze

2 July 2013

Castle Espie Uses Plants To Clean Waste Water

Castle Espie Uses Plants To Clean Waste Water

Plants are being used to clean up waste water flowing into Strangford Lough thanks to a £10,000 grant awarded to Castle Espie Wetland Centre by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The grant has funded new reed beds at the Wetland Centre, whic

13 June 2013

DOWN to Earth’ with the Ulster Society of Women Artists

DOWN to Earth’ with the Ulster Society of Women Artists

On Saturday 15 June at 2.30pm, the Art Gallery will be offering a unique and exciting opportunity to view ‘DOWN to earth’ art exhibition by the Ulster Society of Women Artists (U.S.W.A.). The U.S.W.A. was founded in 1957 by the artist Gladys MacCabe.

10 June 2013

Close Encounters of the Fluffy, Artistic and from Behind-the-Scenes kind

Close Encounters of the Fluffy, Artistic and from Behind-the-Scenes kind

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June enjoy a very special exclusive behind-the-Scenes tour and discover how the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust manage their wildlife reserve and collection of ducks, geese, and swans from around the world. Grounds and Reserve Manag

4 June 2013

Going quackers for fluffy ducklings  . . .

Going quackers for fluffy ducklings . . .

Downy Ducklings captured by David Lowe DUCKLINGS have been taking their first faltering waddles at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, outside Comber, Co Down. The popular Downy Duckling Tours have returned and will take

29 May 2013

May Madness at Castle Espie - Be a Research Ranger for a day, Catch a Puppet Show or meet our Fluffy Ducklings!..

May Madness at Castle Espie - Be a Research Ranger for a day, Catch a Puppet Show or meet our Fluffy Ducklings!..

Spring is a time for New Life at our wetland reserve as goslings and ducklings hatch all around us and are regularly seen pattering and paddling after their parents. Dragonflies, insects and butterflies also emerge, along with toads, newts and frogspawn.

17 May 2013

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Nene and gosling by Kathleen Misajon May beckons and with warmer weather just around the corner, WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre outside Comber has a few unusual events planned for the first May bank holiday weekend.

2 May 2013

Land, Air & Sea Exhibition

Land, Air & Sea Exhibition

On Thursday 2 May, The Gallery at Castle Espie Wetland Centre will be offering a unique and exciting opportunity to view ‘Land, Air & Sea’ art exhibition by the Majury family. The inspiration for this exhibition reflects their passion for our envi

29 April 2013

Early Birds catch the Dawn Chorus at Castle Espie

Early Birds catch the Dawn Chorus at Castle Espie

International Dawn Chorus Day, on 5 May 2013, is the worldwide celebration of nature’s daily miracle. Castle Espie Wetland Centre is offering a unique opportunity to enjoy their wonderful Wren captured by Richie Lort

16 April 2013

Have a Cracking Easter at Castle Espie

Have a Cracking Easter at Castle Espie

Easter isn’t all about chocolate eggs wrapped in colourful foil, it’s also the time when Castle Espie Wetland Centre, on the shores of Strangford Lough comes alive. Celebrate the thrill of new life as eggs begin to hatch and cute ducklings and gosling

18 March 2013

Artists inspired by nature

Artists inspired by nature

Nanuk by artist Jeremy Hamilton Castle Espie Gallery will be opening the doors on Saturday 16 March at 2pm to an inspiring mixed exhibition of art works by NI artists. The theme of the exhibition was to capture the su

9 March 2013

A whole lot of fun for a whole lot less this February half-term

A whole lot of fun for a whole lot less this February half-term

Make the most of your family’s time (and money!) this February half term, by taking a trip to Castle Espie. With a host of fun activities planned and endless opportunities to discover more about the natural world, our award-winning wetland reserve and v

6 February 2013

The Artistic and Written Musings of a Naturalist’

The Artistic and Written Musings of a Naturalist’

On Saturday 2nd February, The Gallery at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre will be offering a unique and exciting opportunity to view a selection of both artistic works and written musings of WWT founder, Sir Peter Scott. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is

31 January 2013

TV presenter’s nationwide nature quest

TV presenter’s nationwide nature quest

On 25 January TV naturalist Mike Dilger starts a nationwide tour to raise awareness and money for wetland conservation. The quest will take in all nine Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) centres across the U.K. in just nine days, with Mike visiting Castl

22 January 2013