Castle Espie - WWT Reserve
Northern Ireland
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Location Guide |
Set on the banks of the stunning Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland where
almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese reside during the
winter months. For this reason the Castle Espie foreshore is part of the
Strangford Lough Ramsar site. Throughout the year this tranquil and friendly
centre is a real delight and a must for the whole family. Like most wetland
centres, there are a wide range of wildfowl species and during the winter months
the majority of the worlds
Brent Geese
over winter here.
So much to see and do.
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Hides and nature walks allow you to get close
to wild birds and a collection of endangered birds form around the world.
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Sustainable Garden has reedbeds, Turtle Hide
and Straw Bale Building all giving you tips for a wildlife garden at home.
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Deep ponds call The Plumbs' have a wide
collection of colourful and exotic ducks, geese and swans - the largest
collection in Ireland.
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The Runway - is a private landing strip
constructed in the 1960's is visible by the remains for a Victorian brickworks
and pottery, giving an insight into the past of Castle Espie area.
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Hides overlook Strangford Lough, with its
eelgrass beds and a wide variety of wildfowl and waders. Here you may see,
shelduck, redshank, godwit and plover. Brent Hide is one of the best viewing
areas and during the winter months provides a vantage point to witness the sight
of the Brent Geese. Most of the worlds population over winter on the lough.
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Wet Woodland, a unique habitat and is
particularly good in winter months.
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Location: WWT Castle
Espie - Northern Ireland |
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Grid Reference:
NW613209 |
Ceremonial County: Co. Down |
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Map Link:
VIEW MAP
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Aerial photo:
Multimap
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Getting there: Located on Strangford Lough, 3 miles south of Comber and
13 miles south-east of Belfast. Signposted from the A22 Comber-Killyleagh-Downpatrick
road. |
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Access:
Level access in most areas and compacted gravel paths. Path to Viewpoint is
steep. Low level viewing windows and ramped access to hides.
Free parking |
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Website:
http://www.wwt.org.uk/gallery/118/castle_espie.html
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Other Useful Websites: |
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Email:
info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk |
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Address: WWT Castle Espie,
78
Ballydrain Road, Comber,
County Down,
Northern Ireland |
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Postcode: BT23 6EA |
Telephone: 02891 874146 |
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Opening Times: Open daily at 10.30am. Closes
Nov-Jan 4.30pm; Feb-Jun and Sept-Oct 5pm; July-Aug 5.30pm |
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Charges: Free to WWT Members. Non Members: Adult £6.10;
Concession (Students, Senior Citizens) £4.65; Child (4-16) £3.05; Family Ticket
£16.50; Essential helpers for disabled visitors FREE |
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Nearby Locations: |
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Other Location Pages: |
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Other Relevant Pages: |
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Notes: Facilities include: Coffee shop, gift and book shop, exhibition area, hides, woodland walk, events and activities,
picnic area.
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