WWT Castle Espie: Star Wetland Centre 2024
In their own words
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough where almost the entire world’s population of Light-bellied Brent Geese resides during the winter months. The wildlife of the Castle Espie site, along with adjacent areas of Strangford Lough, is of exceptional significance and of international ecological importance lying adjacent or overlapping with a number of designated areas including: Ramsar site, MPA, ASSI, AONB, NNR, SPA, MCZ. WWT Castle Espie is the only WWT centre in Northern Ireland or Ireland.
Over half of Strangford Lough’s breeding population of Black-headed Gull is found at Castle Espie and our rich mosaic of wetland habitats include freshwater, salt water and seasonally flooded lagoons. In addition to managing these habitats the centre welcomes 45,000 visitors pa, providing access to nature and education on the wonders of wetlands as well as interpreting the fascinating 10,000 years of human history and activity at the site. Our conferencing facilities provide a hub for eNGOs and government departments with an environmental focus and we hosted Northern Irelands first blue carbon and MPA strategy focus group.
The modern visitor centre was completed in 2010 with the help of the Heritage lottery fund. Dame Jenny Abramsky, then Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, stating that ‘…The WWT has been truly visionary in its work, particularly with regards to restoring the salt and freshwater area and limestone grasslands as well as the construction of new paths and an award-winning eco-friendly visitor centre…Castle Espie is undoubtedly one of the jewels in Northern Ireland’s Heritage Crown.
The judges loved
Its comprehensive integration into the natural environment and local heritage, and excellent engagement with visitors to the site and people of Northern Ireland more widely.