30/09/2026
🚨 Important update 🚨
Over the last couple of months, we’ve been going through a consultation process here at WWT Castle Espie, to consider changes to the way we operate.
It’s no secret there have been some tough decisions made across the charity over the last year. With the cost-of-living crisis hitting every single one of us; we’re all having to make difficult decisions about where, when and how we spend our money.
But our mission has never been more important. As more extreme weather hits us harder and more regularly, we need to restore and protect wetlands with just as much intensity. And WWT Castle Espie is a window into wetlands in Northern Ireland; a jewel in the crown of the country’s landscape, and a treasured place where memories are forged with wildlife, friends, and community. 💚
We need wetlands like ours more than ever right now. 80 years on from Sir Peter Scott opening our first site in Slimbridge, we’re making some changes at WWT Castle Espie, to make sure we’re here to celebrate the next 80 years as well.
This means, over the coming months, the site will start to look a little different. The café and shop will remain open, and the reserve will continue to welcome visitors as usual, but there will be some important changes to how the site operates.
From the end of October 2026, we will close:
🐦⬛ The site’s exhibit areas. All collection birds are being transferred to new homes at other WWT sites.
📖 The site’s formal education offer. We will continue to welcome self-guided school visits.
We're also considering changes to our opening hours as we look ahead to 2027. But for now, opening hours will remain as they are.
These changes will help us focus our resources on making the best of these habitats, the wildlife they provide sanctuary for, and our local community who gain experiences, enrichment and joy from them.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we go through this process. If you have any questions or want to find out more information about the changes, please visit our website 👉 https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/changes
