Get ready as the Summer of Wonder starts at WWT Castle Espie

16th July 2024

Get ready for a summer of wonder at WWT Castle Espie as everyone is invited to explore, connect and enjoy creating new experiences, whilst deepening their understanding of the wonderful wetlands through a range of unique and interesting events and activities across July and August.

Look out for a wow around every corner with a new postcard adventure trail. Nine epic giant postcards, designed by children’s illustrator Ella Beech, share personal messages from nine animals who live in wetland habitats around the world. Use the WWT Castle Espie trail map to find the postcards as well as get up close and personal with the interesting species enjoying the summer months at WWT Castle Espie.

Join WWT Castle Espie’s resident explorer to discover the tale of his Great Uncle Arthur, a famous Victorian explorer who went missing in the jungles of Peru. Using the unusual inventions, secret journal, and special codes he left behind, take an adventure into the hidden world of wildlife. You’ll experience nature in a whole new way! Great Uncle Arthur’s Astonishing Adventures runs on weekdays only from 15-26 July & 12-23 August. Booking is advisable.

Meanwhile, mini adventurers can look forward to a Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Bring your favourite cuddly toy and pack your favourite snacks, then enjoy nature stories and games in the woodland. Teddy Bear’s Picnic runs daily from 15-26 July and 12-16 August. Booking is advisable.

In the World Wetland Aviary, look out for Eider, Red-breasted geese and Puna Teal. Castle Espie is also home to one of Europe’s most important populations of Barrow’s Goldeneye! Learn all about these birds at the daily Diving Duck Talk at 12.45pm, and join the keepers for a handfeeding session at 3pm daily.

Plus, don’t forget the duckery, which becomes home to a number of ducklings in the summer months. All are hand reared by the expert keepers who closely monitor their development, helping to ensure their survival. When ready, they can be introduced to the outdoor duckery for visitors to enjoy watching as they adapt to the outside world.

Experienced adventurers can take a break from it all with the weekly ‘Acoustic Afternoons’ with live music from local musicians every Sunday afternoon. Get a front row seat to awe-inspiring nature from the range of bird hides and viewpoints across the reserve - including the Limekiln Observatory and Brent hide with breathtaking views across Strangford Lough.

Claire Conway, from WWT Castle Espie, said:
“We love sharing the wonder of the wetlands with everyone and can’t wait to welcome visitors to a truly memorable day out at WWT Castle Espie. Our epic and unique postcard trail offers a real opportunity to explore nature and learn more about wildlife, both here and around the world.  From Uncle Arthur’s adventures and Teddy Bear's Picnics to live music and front row seats on nature spectacles – and with a wow around every corner - the summer of wonder definitely starts right here.”

For further details what’s on at WWT Castle Espie this summer visit the WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre website.

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