Castle Espie news
Dive into Autumn with the Shorelife Celebration!
Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues a
6 September 2024
New-for-Ireland moth species recorded at WWT Castle Espie
For the first time, a Glasswort moth (Scrobipalpa salicorniae) has been recorded in Ireland, thanks to WWT volunteer Stewart Rosell. Stewart has been surveying saltmarsh moths at WWT Castle Espie as part of a two-year project and made the exciting disc
26 August 2024
Summer's not over just yet! Find a wow around every corner at WWT Castle Espie
Make the most of the last few days of summer at WWT Castle Espie where an extraordinary day out filled with new experiences and unique activities in nature awaits. There’s a wow around every corner and something for all the family at the wetland reserv
21 August 2024
WWT announces award winning nature writer Dara McAnulty as its latest ambassador
WWT has appointed the award-winning nature writer and naturalist Dara McAnulty as their newest ambassador. Dara, who grew up near WWT’s Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Northern Ireland, often visits the nature reserve and credits the close encounters
14 August 2024
Poetry Jukebox returns to WWT Castle Espie
As a part of our Words for Wetlands theme this year, the Poetry Jukebox has returned to WWT Castle Espie’s Limekiln Observatory, where visitors can listen to a collection of poems while enjoying stunning views over Strangford Lough. The jukebox is op
31 July 2024
Experience a Summer of Wonder at WWT Castle Espie
Get ready for a summer of wonder at WWT Castle Espie as everyone is invited to explore, connect and enjoy creating new experiences, whilst deepening their understanding of the wonderful wetlands through a range of unique and interesting events and activit
1 July 2024
Volunteers’ Week: Learning Team help over 1,600 NI schoolchildren connect with nature
It’s Volunteers’ Week, and we’re celebrating the achievements of our Learning Team at Castle Espie, made possible by amazing support from volunteers! Through Generation Wild, a project spearheaded by WWT, 15,474 nature activities have been comple
3 June 2024
The best signs of Spring to look out for at Castle Espie
Wood sorrel. Credit: Jonny Clark Spring at Castle Espie is a magical time when nature bursts into a symphony of colours and life. Picture the landscape transforming into a kaleidoscope of hues as it teems with new beginnings. Here’s a taste of the be
22 March 2024
Bing and Flop are coming to WWT Castle Espie this Spring!
Bing and Flop, from the multi-award-winning animated children's television series, will be coming to WWT Castle Espie in a couple of weeks as part of ‘Bing’s Nature Explorers’ - a new joint event programme between WWT and independent creative studio
21 March 2024
Unmissable up-close encounters with our birds: the new walk-in aviary is here!
Ross's goose. Credit: Lesley BarkerThis week, our team have been busy adding the final touches to our new walk-in aviary – just in time for The Big Hideout! This means our fantastic collection birds are no longer netted off from our visitors. Instead,
9 February 2024
Feathered family fun: join our festival of bird-themed events for February half-term
WWT Castle Espie will be hosting a fun-filled festival of bird-themed events for February half-term, giving families a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close with the UK’s greatest winter wildlife. Taking place from Monday 12 to Friday 16 February
8 February 2024
Duck the stress this World Wetlands Day and visit WWT Castle Espie for a moment of calm
This World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2024, WWT Castle Espie wants everyone to duck the stress of modern living and visit their local wetland for a moment of calm. World Wetlands Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands
31 January 2024
'Weaving' nature, heritage skills, and mental health for Inspiring Textiles project
Newtownards based social enterprise Inspiring Yarns has been awarded a £99,927 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to implement a project called Inspiring Textiles at WWT Castle Espie. Inspiring Textiles at WWT Castle Espie will significantly f
18 January 2024
Wrap up and enjoy the gift of WWT Castle Espie this winter
At WWT Castle Espie we're getting ready to welcome in winter 2023 and everyone is invited to wrap up warm and take in the wonderous sights and sounds. From fantastic bird spectacles and winter woodland walks, to Elf Academy and beautiful nature illustrati
1 December 2023
7 signs of autumn at Castle Espie
October at Castle Espie means an explosion of autumnal colour and a chorus of quacks and honks from our winter arrivals. It’s the perfect time to pull your boots on, get outdoors, and experience all the awe-inspiring wildlife that wetlands have to offer
20 October 2023