Wetland Conservation Charity Encourages Support of Local Wetland Centre on World Wetlands Day
On Sunday 2 February people across the globe will celebrate World Wetlands Day, highlighting the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. From the Arctic to the tropics, to a small corner of the shores of Strangford Lough, wetlands can be foun
On Sunday 2 February people across the globe will celebrate World Wetlands Day, highlighting the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.
From the Arctic to the tropics, to a small corner of the shores of Strangford Lough, wetlands can be found across the world and are one of the most important habitats on earth.
Covering only 6% of the earth’s surface, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. To people, they not only provide us with drinking water, and naturally buffer us from floods and drought, they act as giant carbon sinks, storing a third of the world’s total carbon emissions.
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) only wetland site in Northern Ireland and an important contributor to reducing the impact of climate change on Northern Ireland.
Commenting on World Wetlands Day, Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre said; “Wetlands and their wildlife are in rapid decline around the world, disappearing three times faster than forests.”
“This World Wetlands Day we encourage people here in Northern Ireland to take action in protecting our own valuable wetlands. This can be as simple as creating a wetland such as a pond in your garden, school or workplace or by supporting the work of Castle Espie Wetland Centre by visiting, becoming a member or volunteer or indeed adopting a wetland animal.”
“As part of the WWT, here at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, our expertise in wetland management, restoration and creation, has allowed us to ensure for the past 30 years that wetland wildlife in Northern Ireland could be protected and allowed to flourish.”
“From the return of migrating birds full of birdsong and the arrival of ducklings in our ponds and lakes, to the emergence of butterflies and wildflowers across the reserve, there’s a world of native and non-native wetland wildlife waiting to be discovered here at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.”
For further information about WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and the conservation work we do, visit our website or contact the Centre at 028 9187 4146.
ENDS
Media Enquiries
For further information please contact Sarah Fisher, Marketing and Communications Manager: Sarah.Fisher@wwt.org.uk | 028 91 875975
