Closed on Weds 4th Dec

Due to planned essential electrical work in the local area, WWT Castle Espie will be closed on Wednesday 4th December. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Close alert

Castle Espie news

Castle Espie - A History in Pictures

Castle Espie - A History in Pictures

A History in Pictures exhibition

31 December 2021

‘Exceptional’ Natural Capital of Ards and North Down recognised

‘Exceptional’ Natural Capital of Ards and North Down recognised

The WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Co. Down was selected as one of the locations to host BBC Two’s popular wildlife programme, Autumnwatch. Ards and North Down Deputy Mayor, Councillor Robert Adair, paid tribute to the work of conservation charity

3 November 2021

Castle Espie to host BBC Two's Autumnwatch 2021

Castle Espie to host BBC Two's Autumnwatch 2021

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre has been selected as one of three live locations across the UK to host BBC Two’s popular wildlife programme Autumnwatch. Following on from the huge success of BBC Springwatch earlier this year the watchers will again be

22 October 2021

Winter Migration Festival

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 St

20 October 2021

A Portrait with a View

A Portrait with a View

Castle Espie unveils stunning 'Paddy' portrait by Colin Davidson

8 September 2021

WWT Castle Espie to host BBC Two's  Springwatch 2021

WWT Castle Espie to host BBC Two's Springwatch 2021

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Co. Down has been selected as one of three live locations across the UK to host BBC Two’s popular wildlife programme Springwatch.

18 May 2021

 WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre ready to welcome visitors back on 23 April

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre ready to welcome visitors back on 23 April

Visitors will soon be able to find solace from the latest lockdown by getting out into the 60 acres of big skies and beautiful wetland nature at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre which re-opens this Friday 23 April.

20 April 2021

Shining a spotlight on the smaller creatures springing to life around WWT Castle Espie

Shining a spotlight on the smaller creatures springing to life around WWT Castle Espie

Spring has sprung and it’s not just our feathered friends coming to life. All around WWT Castle Espie, lots of tiny bugs are awakening from their winter hibernation.

29 March 2021

Castle Espie Wetland Centre receives grant of £203,400 from the Heritage Recovery Fund to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

Castle Espie Wetland Centre receives grant of £203,400 from the Heritage Recovery Fund to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

Castle Espie Wetland Centre has been awarded £203,400 to help recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will enable Castle Espie Wetland Centre to cover the income lost as a result of having to close to visitors during lockdown.

23 March 2021

A wellbeing wander round WWT Castle Espie

A wellbeing wander round WWT Castle Espie

This year more than any, we’ve become more aware of our wellbeing and what it means to truly feel good in ourselves. As a result of lockdown, people had the opportunity to slow down and to really appreciate the smaller things in life, like nature.

15 March 2021

Wetland Conservation Charity collaborates with Mental Health Foundation to launch new guide on the benefits of Wetlands and Wellbeing

Wetland Conservation Charity collaborates with Mental Health Foundation to launch new guide on the benefits of Wetlands and Wellbeing

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), the conservation charity which runs Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in partnership with leading mental health charity the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), have created aguide to help people improve their mental health and w

2 February 2021

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA visits Castle Espie

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA visits Castle Espie

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Centre at Castle Espie, County Down, to see their work in biodiversity and protecting the natural environment.

12 November 2020

First ever sighting of Cattle Egret recorded at Castle Espie Wetland Centre

First ever sighting of Cattle Egret recorded at Castle Espie Wetland Centre

It’s that time of year when we see thousands of birds arrive on the shores of Strangford Lough from Northern and Eastern Europe, seeking milder winter weather. What might yet become the highlight of this year’s migration season is the first ever sighting

26 October 2020

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Castle Espie this Autumn

Fall for nature’s spectacle at WWT Castle Espie this Autumn

Just as wetlands offer sanctuary to thousands of animals over the colder months, they also make the perfect place to safely escape the everyday and appreciate one of nature’s greatest shows - autumn.

14 October 2020

Castle Espie Wetland Centre teams up with Maghaberry Prison for Rehabilitation Programme

Castle Espie Wetland Centre teams up with Maghaberry Prison for Rehabilitation Programme

Like most businesses across Northern Ireland, Castle Espie Wetland Centre was closed to visitors throughout lockdown, yet behind the scenes work continued to maintain the wetland site.

30 July 2020