WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre WWT Castle Espie is a visitor centre open all year. Come and see the power of wetlands for yourself.
(326)

Just over 3 weeks to go! 🌻Our Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie is just around the corner 💚Get ready for a summer o...
07/06/2026

Just over 3 weeks to go! 🌻

Our Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie is just around the corner 💚

Get ready for a summer of family fun from dragonfly-inspired trails and creative workshops to pond dipping, live music and more -all set in the beautiful wetlands of Strangford Lough. 🌍

Stay tuned… the magic starts soon 🐉✨

Did you know that terns are one of Strangford Lough's most important breeding seabirds? These elegant birds have faced c...
06/06/2026

Did you know that terns are one of Strangford Lough's most important breeding seabirds?

These elegant birds have faced challenges in recent years, including storms, disturbance, predation and the loss of suitable nesting habitat.

We've deployed a number of artificial nesting rafts across the water bodies at Castle Espie to help support breeding terns. These floating platforms provide a safer, predator-free and flood-resistant place for birds to nest and raise their chicks.

On your next visit, keep your eyes peeled - you might just spot a tern making itself at home on one of the rafts. 🪺👀

📷 Jonny Clark

A glimpse into recent family life at Castle Espie...This photo shows a Mistle Thrush at the nest, with a young chick jus...
04/06/2026

A glimpse into recent family life at Castle Espie...
This photo shows a Mistle Thrush at the nest, with a young chick just visible below. Since the image was taken, the chick has successfully fledged and the nest is now empty.

Mistle Thrushes are one of the UK's largest thrush species and are known for their loud song- often heard even in unsettled weather.

📷 Photograph taken under licence by Jonny Clark.

01/06/2026

Now showing at the Graffan Gallery 🎨

Colin Dales’ abstract works inspired by water and light, paired with Sylvia Dales’ stunning handcrafted ceramics.

📍 WWT Castle Espie. Until 21st June.

DYK Jays are part of the crow family and are brilliant at helping forests grow. They collect and bury thousands of acorn...
31/05/2026

DYK Jays are part of the crow family and are brilliant at helping forests grow. They collect and bury thousands of acorns each year for food, but sometimes forget where they’ve hidden them… meaning new oak trees can grow! 🌳

Keep your eyes and ears open on your next visit, their noisy screeching often gives them away before you spot them. 👀

📷 Jonny Clark

Address

78 Ballydrain Road
Newtownards
BT236EA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+442891874146

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share