WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Whatever time of year you make a family visit to Castle Espie Wetland Centre, situated on the shores of Strangford Lough near Comber, 12 miles south-east of Belfast, you will find something interesting. As the Trust’s first visitor centre in Ireland and newest of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s visitor centres, Castle Espie offers a mix of Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water birds numbering over 100 species, a tidal lagoon, stunning estuary views, salt marshes and reed beds, woodland walks and a wealth of habitats for other wildlife. Other fauna to look out for include the kingfisher, cuckoo, bats and otters. The area’s tidal nature means that it attracts more wildlife to the lough and at winter time, the arrival of almost the entire world population of light-bellied Brent geese together with hundreds of other migrant birds is a fabulous sight to see. The Limekiln Observatory and Brent Hide are ideal for birdwatching and offer superb views over Strangford Lough Р binoculars are available to hire from Reception. The Sensory Garden Courtyard has six gardens exploring each of the different senses as well as a Courtyard learning space. There are free walks and trails and seasonal events and children will enjoy challenging themselves on the climbing wall, have fun with pond dipping between spring and autumn, trying out the woodland Wild wood natural play area and following the Secret Swamp circular trail, which takes them through the woodland and wetland encouraging them to absorb the sights and sounds of their surroundings. In June there are duckling tours and most weekends a ФMeet the Quackers’ session, where visitors can learn about the birds in the captive collection. This is a fantastic venue for a special outdoor birthday party.