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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We’ve had a record number of Comma butterflies at Castle Espie recently, volunteer photographer Jonny Clark spotting se...
16/09/2026

We’ve had a record number of Comma butterflies at Castle Espie recently, volunteer photographer Jonny Clark spotting seven on site in one day. This is the most we’ve ever recorded here!

This one was pictured resting on a blackberry. You can identify a Comma by the small white, comma-shaped marking on the underside of its wings.

Have you spotted any this year? 🦋

📷 Jonny Clark

Julie Mackie popped into Castle Espie today to help Tanya recreate her much-loved wheaten bread recipe which uses the sa...
15/09/2026

Julie Mackie popped into Castle Espie today to help Tanya recreate her much-loved wheaten bread recipe which uses the same recipe that was served here during Castle Espie’s early days.

Julie describes the loaves as part of the “building blocks of Castle Espie”. Discover how wheaten bread, homemade lunches and a welcoming pot of coffee all played a part in our story:

https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/news/the-building-blocks-of-castle-espie-the-story-of-our-wheaten-bread

Try a slice with a homemade bowl of soup from the Kingfisher Kitchen on your next visit! 🍞🥣

⚠️ Visitor notice!WWT Castle Espie will be closed on Monday 14th September due to essential works being carried out by N...
13/09/2026

⚠️ Visitor notice!

WWT Castle Espie will be closed on Monday 14th September due to essential works being carried out by NIE.

We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming visitors back when we reopen on Tuesday 15th September.

12/09/2026

We’re proud to be part of the Good Visitor Promise which encourages everyone to enjoy Ards and North Down responsibly, support local communities and help protect the special places we share. 💚🌿

What does WWT Castle Espie mean to you?Perhaps it's bird watching on the reserve, bringing the family for a walk, or sim...
10/09/2026

What does WWT Castle Espie mean to you?

Perhaps it's bird watching on the reserve, bringing the family for a walk, or simply enjoying a moment to yourself in nature.

A gift in your Will to WWT could help protect the wetlands and wildlife that make these experiences possible. Click here to find out more How to leave a gift in your will for WWT - https://www.wwt.org.uk/join-and-support/leave-a-gift-in-your-will

Our birds will be having their biannual health checks today 🦆🩺Our brilliant staff and volunteers will be checking their ...
09/09/2026

Our birds will be having their biannual health checks today 🦆🩺

Our brilliant staff and volunteers will be checking their weight and giving them a general health check to make sure they’re healthy and well ahead of the colder months.

It’s all part of the care that goes on behind the scenes here at WWT Castle Espie. 💚

It’s starting to feel a wee bit autumnal here at Castle Espie 🍂🍎Tanya has been making the most of our heritage orchard a...
08/09/2026

It’s starting to feel a wee bit autumnal here at Castle Espie 🍂🍎

Tanya has been making the most of our heritage orchard apples with this delicious homemade apple pie. Pop into the cafe and grab a slice before it’s gone! 🥧

DYK? Female pintails have mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage while nesting 🦆This beautiful female ...
07/09/2026

DYK? Female pintails have mottled brown plumage that provides excellent camouflage while nesting 🦆

This beautiful female was spotted recently at Castle Espie. Have you seen any pintails during your visit?

📸 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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