News
WWT announces singer David Gray as its latest ambassador
David Gray, whose album White Ladder is one of the biggest sellers of the 21st century, has long supported wetlands and its wildlife, in particular the red-listed Eurasian Curlew, and is a committed supporter of the work of WWT. Explaining why he has b
1 May 2024
WWT unites with wildlife and climate campaigners in what could be the biggest ever march for nature
WWT is urging everyone who cares for nature to unite and march through London to Parliament Square on Saturday 22 June, with a simple demand to all political parties: Restore Nature Now. This legal demonstration aims to be the biggest gathering of peop
24 April 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
WWT announces partnership with BRITA on World Water Day
On World Water Day, WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, announces its new partnership with water filter manufacturer BRITA.
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
Government admits delay on toxic lead shot ban despite its presence in 93% of pheasants destined for dinner tables
The government has quietly admitted in response to a parliamentary question that progress on banning the use of toxic lead shot for hunting has been delayed again with a decision on the issue not expected until “later this year”, despite it considering restrictions since 2021.
15 March 2024
Somerset nature reserves will be made Wetter for Waders with 800k funding boost
Hundreds of hectares of wetland habitat will be restored, or enhanced, across WWT Steart Marshes and Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve (NNR), thanks to more than £800,000 in funding from the government’s Species Survival Fund.
15 March 2024
Rich Hearn. A tribute.
Last week we lost Rich Hearn. We lost a valued colleague. We lost his outstanding skills in monitoring, research and action planning for water birds. And we lost a voice for policy change to save wetlands across the world. We will miss his friendship, his humour, his adventures, his antics, his passion for birding and his unfailing energy to share his time, knowledge and skills with anyone who needed it.
27 February 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
Labour scrapping green investment pledge is a mistake, but it’s not too late, we say
Yesterday marked an entire year that the world’s average warming exceeded 1.5C – deemed by most scientists as the safe limit to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown on people, nature and the economy.
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
The Big Green Hike 2024
Since 2022 WWT has joined forces with environmental charities for The Big Green Hike – a nationwide sponsored walking challenge to raise vital funds for nature.
6 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
WWT celebrates over £5.9 million of support raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised over £5.9 million in support of WWT’s work since 2014. In 2023, we received an incredible £1.1 million thanks to funds raised by players, which was awarded by Postcode Planet Trust, one of 20 Postcode Trusts managed by People’s Postcode Lottery.
8 January 2024