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.
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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

Blackbird fledglings sometimes leave the nest before they can fully fend for themselves, but their parents continue feed...
30/05/2026

Blackbird fledglings sometimes leave the nest before they can fully fend for themselves, but their parents continue feeding and protecting them as they learn to navigate the world.

If you spot a fluffy young bird on the ground it’s often best to watch from a distance as mum and dad are usually close by!

📷 Jonny Clark

This year’s theme for is ‘In our Nature’Our community is built on passionate people who live and breathe wildlife care...
29/05/2026

This year’s theme for is ‘In our Nature’

Our community is built on passionate people who live and breathe wildlife care and conservation.
That’s why proud to be joined by a wider network of zoos and aquariums as members of BIAZA

We’re grateful to everyone in our community, sharing a love for wildlife, and inspiring people to protect nature both at home and around the world 🌍

It’s Love Your Zoo Week! 💚This annual nationwide event by BIAZA celebrates the essential contribution of zoos and aquari...
28/05/2026

It’s Love Your Zoo Week! 💚

This annual nationwide event by BIAZA celebrates the essential contribution of zoos and aquariums to conservation, science, animal care and education.

We’re proud to care for amazing species while inspiring people to connect with wetlands and wildlife every day.

To celebrate, we caught up with our Senior Living Collections Keeper Miryam for a behind-the-scenes Q&A about her role and the animals she cares for.

https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/news/meet-the-keeper

A sunny Bank Holiday Monday calls for a slower pace ☀️💚The wetlands are looking beautiful today with plenty of wildlife ...
25/05/2026

A sunny Bank Holiday Monday calls for a slower pace ☀️💚

The wetlands are looking beautiful today with plenty of wildlife to spot, walks to enjoy and views across Strangford Lough shining in the sunshine.

If you fancy a lunch or sweet treat during your visit our café is open from 10am-4pm ☕🍰

The forecast is looking lovely for Bank Holiday Monday 💚A good excuse for a wander around the wetlands, some fresh air b...
24/05/2026

The forecast is looking lovely for Bank Holiday Monday 💚

A good excuse for a wander around the wetlands, some fresh air beside Strangford Lough, and a chance to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful views here at WWT Castle Espie.

We’ll also have Duckling Crafts with Boom Studios from 10am-2pm for any wee ones who are feeling creative 🎨🐥

DYK newts can regrow entire limbs, parts of their heart, and even sections of their eyes? 👀This little one was enjoying ...
23/05/2026

DYK newts can regrow entire limbs, parts of their heart, and even sections of their eyes? 👀
This little one was enjoying the chimney pond here at WWT Castle Espie 🦎💧

Healthy ponds are vital for amphibians like newts as they provide safe places to breed, feed and shelter throughout the year.

📷 Jonny Clark

We’re delighted to welcome the new Colin and Sylvia Dales Exhibition to the Graffan Gallery from tomorrow, 23rd May - 21...
22/05/2026

We’re delighted to welcome the new Colin and Sylvia Dales Exhibition to the Graffan Gallery from tomorrow, 23rd May - 21st June.

Explore Colin Dales’ contemporary abstract paintings which are inspired by water, light and the natural beauty of Castle Espie, alongside Sylvia Dales’ beautifully crafted ceramics, created using traditional techniques influenced by Etruscan and Korean pottery traditions.

📍 Graffan Gallery, WWT Castle Espie

Have you heard the song of the Reed Warbler at Castle Espie yet?🎶 These small but mighty summer visitors are masters of ...
21/05/2026

Have you heard the song of the Reed Warbler at Castle Espie yet?🎶

These small but mighty summer visitors are masters of hiding among the reeds, often heard before they’re seen!

There’s always something exciting to spot across the reserve, from returning migrants to breeding wetland wildlife, so make sure to keep up with our latest sightings before your visit.

Check out what’s been seen recently here 👉 https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/wildlife/latest-sightings/recent-sightings-18th-may

📸 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

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