News
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
Dynasties, divorce, and 10,000 swans – 60 years of WWT’s unique Bill Pattern Study
A scientific study into Bewick’s swans, birds which can be identified as individuals through the unique markings on their bills, is celebrating 60 years of drama and discovery this winter.
7 December 2023
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
A radical rethink on flood protection needed – WWT report
The recent impacts of storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi have exposed how unprepared the UK is to the growing risk of flooding caused by climate change. Our new report is calling on Government to increase the amount they spend on natural flood prevention.
23 November 2023
Warming climate and storms see Bewick's make latest arrival since 1965
Today the first of this year’s Bewick’s swans have arrived at WWT Slimbridge, the latest they have arrived since 1965. Experts are linking their delayed arrival to climate change, combined with a mixture of stormy and mild weather in recent weeks.
16 November 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
Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake Exhibition Opens at WWT Castle Espie
WWT Castle Espie has officially opened the Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake exhibition in The Graffan Gallery, Ireland’s only environmental art space. WWT Castle Espie is among four WWT sites hosting the exhibition featuring some of Sir Quentin Blake’s w
18 October 2023
Wetlands are the way: Our new strategy to 2030
Today we have published our strategy to 2030 - "Wetlands are the way" which sets out how we will operate and our priorities for the next seven years, including a new mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power.
12 October 2023
Project Godwit Action Plan sets the priorities for the next decade
A new action plan has been published by the RSPB, WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) and Natural England in the final year of their collaboration on Project Godwit, detailing the path to recovery over the next decade for this endangered wading bird.
3 October 2023
Uncover all things October at Castle Espie
October is a busy month here at Castle Espie, filled with wonderful wetland wildlife and truly eek!citing days out. With the light-bellied Brent geese already returning to Strangford Lough and spooky season creeping closer, here’s your complete round-up
29 September 2023
Get ready for The Big Brent Weekend at WWT Castle Espie this October
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is getting ready to welcome visitors to The Big Brent Weekend Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October, which celebrates one of its greatest wildlife spectacles of the year – the return of the light-bellied Brent Geese to the
22 September 2023
Call to clean up Lough Neagh
As a charity who campaigns for healthy wetlands, we are calling for immediate action to clean up Lough Neagh, one of the UK’s most important wetlands, providing 40% of Northern Ireland’s drinking water. Healthy wetlands, such as lakes, rivers a
22 September 2023
Godwit Futures Project awarded £400,000 to bolster endangered waders
WWT’s Godwit Futures project is among those that have today been awarded a share of an incredible £14.5m from Natural England to revive England's endangered species.
14 September 2023