News
Recent Sightings - 23th November 2020
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. We continue to see around ~50 Teal resting along the edge of the shingle bank and on feeding on the wadermarsh. In addition, there is a small group of Gadwal
25 November 2020
Recent Sightings - 16th November 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. The number of Shelduck on the estuary has visibly increased, while the number of Brent continues to drop as birds move on in their migration. The unsettled wea
17 November 2020
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
Recent Sightings - 9th November 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a falling tide. There was much interest on the reserve yesterday, particularly on the Saline Lagoon with the Kingfisher active on one of the constructed perches, and delight
10 November 2020
Recent Sightings - 2nd November 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide. The typical winter bird fauna continues to change with the season with some rewarding views over the estuary. A small group of Whooper swan can be seen on the estu
3 November 2020
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
Recent Sightings - 19th October 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide. Over the weekend we have had a rare visitor, the Great White Egret turn up on the Peninsula Saltmarsh, coming in at high tide with a group of Little Egrets. Compa
20 October 2020
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
Recent Sightings - 12th October 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at high tide. This time of year provides an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Kingfisher on the reserve. During the breeding season they are hard to spot and remain elusive,
13 October 2020
Recent Sightings - 5th October 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide. Despite the poor weather there continue to be spectacular views over the estuary with around 2,000 Brent visible from Castle Espie, as well as a host of other spec
6 October 2020
Recent Sightings - 28th September 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a rising tide. Bumper crop on the estuary yesterday morning with a large flock of Greylag visible. The Sparrowhawk is still active and can be heard and seen as it hunts in
29 September 2020
Recent Sightings - 21st September 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at low tide. The sounds and sights of Brent geese continue to dominate the estuary as they move with the tides to take advantage of the abundant eel grass to feed on. There is
22 September 2020
Recent Sightings - 14th September 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie at high tide. The WeBS counts have resumed this year and the wintering birds are returning in numbers to the Lough including good numbers of Light-bellied brent geese, Redshank
15 September 2020
Recent Sightings - 7th September 2020
The following sightings were taken yesterday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a falling tide. In addition to the Brent geese increasing in numbers on the estuary, we are seeing an increase in other wintering wildfowl, and waders to the Lough. Teal ha
8 September 2020
Recent Sightings - 31st August 2020
Exciting news! The Brent Geese have begun to return to Strangford Lough, their winter home. The geese were seen in the middle of last week having reached the Northern Coast of Northern Ireland, but they were first seen here, from the Brent hide on Saturda
31 August 2020