Castle Espie news
Environmental Management Certification for WWT Castle Espie
WWT Castle Espie is delighted to announce that it has once again been recognised for its outstanding environmental management practices, achieving the prestigious ISO 14001 certification for a second consecutive year. This continued recognition reflects
2 June 2026
Meet the keeper
As part of BIAZA’s Love Your Zoo Week, we’re taking you behind the scenes at WWT Castle Espie to meet the people caring for our living collections and helping protect wetland wildlife every day. Meet Miryam Saraceni, Senior Living Collections Keeper.
28 May 2026
Eelgrass at WWT Castle Espie
A recent study by Heidi McIlvenny of Queens University Belfast confirms the negative anthropogenic impacts on seagrass generally on Strangford Lough. The exception however are the seagrass meadows at WWT Castle Espie which are thriving. Eelgrass is a cru
20 May 2026
Weather Watch Begins at WWT Castle Espie with New Climate Monitoring Station
From weather warnings to winter road gritting, a new climate monitoring station at WWT Castle Espie will provide near real-time data to support vital public services and climate research across County Down and beyond. The solar-powered station has been i
11 May 2026
Gathering Stitches Festival Returns to Celebrate Creative and Sustainable Crafts at WWT Castle Espie
Gathering Stitches, the much-loved festival of yarn, textiles and sustainable fashion returns to WWT Castle Espie, Comber, for another inspiring celebration of creativity, community and conscious living on 9th and 10th May. Supported by Ards and North Dow
1 May 2026
The Natural History Museum accepts donation of largest ornithological collection in decades
The Natural History Museum, London, is about to embark on one of the largest and most complex movements of a late 19th century / early 20th century ornithology collection in decades. For over 50 years, one of the United Kingdom’s most important natural
21 April 2026
Cracking Easter Adventures Await at WWT Castle Espie
Spring has officially sprung at Castle Espie and families are invited to celebrate the season with a fresh-air adventure packed with wildlife, discovery and a little Easter mystery. From 31 March to 12 April 2026, the wetland reserve will be buzzing with
24 March 2026
Stomp, splash and squelch this February half term as Mudfest returns to WWT Castle Espie
Families across Northern Ireland are invited to embrace the mess this February half term as Mudfest returns to Castle Espie from 7–15th February 2026. Taking place for one muddy week only, Mudfest is a joyful celebration of all things squelchy, sensory
29 January 2026
Gibellula attenboroughii
A fungus discovered in an old Victorian gunpowder store at WWT Castle Espie has been revealed as a completely new species, now formally named Gibellula attenboroughii. The parasitic fungus was first found growing on a cave spider by WWT volunteer Jo
23 January 2026
Winter Wonders at WWT Castle Espie: Experience the Magic of the Season While Supporting Wetland Conservation
This winter, WWT Castle Espie offers more than just a stunning winter wildlife experience. With festive activities, wildlife encounters, and opportunities to support conservation, the reserve is the perfect place to celebrate the season and connect with n
25 November 2025
A Brilliant Butterfly Year at Castle Espie
Since 1976 the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) has been helping scientists track changes in butterfly numbers and species across the UK. Through weekly surveys carried out along fixed routes -or transects which help us understand how butterfly
21 October 2025
WWT Castle Espie shines on world stage with Prestigious Global Wetland Star Award
WWT Castle Espie has won the prestigious Star Wetland Centre Award, placing it among the world’s leading wetland education and visitor centres. To celebrate the achievement, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir MLA visite
10 October 2025
Make the Most of Summer -Whatever the Weather at Castle Espie
We all dream of sunny summer days... but let’s be honest, the weather doesn’t always stick to the plan. At WWT Castle Espie, the great outdoors is ready to be explored come rain or shine. Whether it’s blazing sunshine or a passing downpour, summe
30 July 2025
Inspiring Textiles Project unveils stunning art installation at Castle Espie
Weaving mental health, wellbeing and nature: Inspiring Textiles Project unveils stunning art installation at WWT Castle EspieNewtownards-based social enterprise Inspiring Yarns is celebrating the successful completion of its 18-month heritage project Insp
29 July 2025
Explore the magical world of the Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie this summer
This summer get ready to explore activities that celebrate the wonderful world of dragonflies at Castle Espie, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, at the first Dragonfly Festival. From 21 June to 22 September, festival goers are invited to let their im
17 June 2025