We are gearing up for October here at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and, with the arrival of the Brent Geese, Autumn is finally upon us. So come and experience the wonders of migration with one of the following events:
The ‘Brent are Back’ event – this is the time of the year when 90% of the world’s population of Light- bellied Brent Geese comes to Northern Ireland with Strangford Lough being their favorite staging post… Our friendly guide will bring you on a brent journey and explain to you how they feed on the vast expanses of eel grass exposed at low water along the muddy estuaries. Followed by how every year when the spring arrives these same small geese take on the largest migration journey of any goose travelling 2,900 miles from Ireland to the high Canadian arctic.
At the moment there are currently around 20,500 birds on Strangford Lough, feeding up after this long and hazardous journey. Visitors may be able to witness around 2000-3000 of these incredible migrants from the Limekiln Observatory and Brent Hide when they visit WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre. The event takes every weekend at 12 noon and 2pm during the month of October.
on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October join us for our popular ‘Tick & Twitch event’ – a fun competition to win a free family pass to Castle Espie (2 adults and 2 children). Simply turn up, collect your bird spotting sheets from reception, and head out around our grounds to try and tick off as many of the 20 birds you can find. Great fun for all, including those who don’t know their Starlings from their Cormorants.
Finally one not to be missed! join us after hours on Saturday 12th October for our ‘Brent Dusk Event’. This includes an evening walk with our expert warden followed by supper in the Loughshore cafe and a slideshow in the Drumlin theatre. Costs £20 per adult and £10 for kids, 6pm – 9pm. Booking is essential. (weather permitted)
Events are included in the cost of admission and free to WWT members. Please refer to website for full events listings at wwt.org.uk/visit/castleespie alternatively contact us on 02891 874146. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open every day from 10am to 5.00pm and parking is free of charge. Follow us on facebook and twitter @wwtcastleespie.