Winter Migration Festival
It’s one of the most dramatic wildlife events of the year - and the public are being invited to come along and see the action for themselves.
A phenomenal 28,000 Brent geese make the gruelling 3,000 mile trek from Arctic Canada to our very own Strangford Lough every autumn… and they’re arriving round about now.
We are launching our first ever Winter Migration Festival to celebrate the return of these amazing arctic arrivals, designed to make nature accessible for everyone, no matter what age you are or what your interests may be.
Paul Stewart, Centre Manager says; “The Winter Migration Festival is designed to celebrate the arrival of the Brent Geese, along with the migration story of various birds across the world, but also to connect people to nature. We are aiming to immerse visitors in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Espie to come to understand the importance of what is around us, not just for us, but for wildlife too. The events programme includes something for everyone, whether you are a newborn or 100 years old! So we really hope people will come down and enjoy what is on offer.”
Visitors can enjoy a variety of events including; Sunrise yoga, Watercolour Classes with local artist Bernice Anderson, Cookery classes with Grow and Graze and tours of the Castle Espie Reserve. There will also be activity specifically aimed at families with Music Bugs North Down, Mini Explorers and a new event, Wandering Little Wildlings aimed to promote mental health and wellbeing in pre-school and primary aged children through nature.
The Winter Migration Festival is running from Saturday 2nd October to Saturday 13th November.
