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Castle Espie WWT

Set on the banks of the beautiful Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland, this reserve is where a high percentage of the worlds population of Light-bellied Brent geese reside in winter months. The Castle Espie foreshore is part of the Strangford Lough Ramsar site. Despite the lack of a castle, this is a beautiful and unique spot.

Highlights: A huge range of birds, varying from one season to another. Brent geese, Grey and Golden plover, knot, greenshank, sandpiper, redshank, little egret. Location: The reserve is on Strangford Lough, three miles south of Comber and thirteen miles from Belfast. Castle Espie is signposted from the A22.

2006 sdmission Prices: Adult £4.70, Concession (Students, Senior Citizens) £3.80, Child £2.85, Family Ticket £12.25

Post code: BT23 6EA

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£2.96 million HLF grant for WWT Castle Espie
September 2007. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £2.96 million towards a major wetland restoration project at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre. This award is the largest investment in biodiversity in Northern Ireland.

At the heart of the £4 million project will be the restoration and improvement of intertidal and freshwater habitats along the shores of Strangford Lough. This will encourage more species and greater numbers of waterbirds to feed, roost or breed at Castle Espie, as well as restoring important habitats.

A new ecologically-sustainable visitor centre will be constructed,and other improvements will be carried out to hides and observatories. WWT has had great support from other donors such as Ulster Garden Villages, Environment & Heritage Service and Ards Borough Council. A further £300,000 is required to meet the sum that WWT is committed to contributing to the project.

James Orr, Director of WWT in Northern Ireland said: ‘We heartily welcome this investment in our work. Helping us to restore precious coastal wetlands will be a major boost not just to the wildlife of Strangford Lough but to our sites around Northern Ireland that can learn from our experience. Furthermore, the development of ecological bird hides and visitor facilities at Castle Espie will inspire others to create buildings that work in harmony with nature’

These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.