One of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Northern Ireland is getting underway as light-bellied Brent geese make their annual return to Strangford Lough, an official designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Strangford Lough is also the UK’s largest sea lough, one of only three Marine Nature Reserves in the UK. The geese make the extraordinary 3,000-mile migration for the autumn and winter to this place, before returning to the north again in spring.
The small, dark-bellied geese have travelled from their breeding grounds in the Canadian High Arctic, making an epic journey that takes them across Greenland and, typically, via Iceland before they reach Strangford Lough.
Around 90% of the world’s light-bellied Brent geese gather on Strangford Lough, making it one of the most important places on Earth for this remarkable migratory population. For WWT, their arrival is also an important reminder of the need to protect the wetland habitats on which migratory birds depend.
In October 2025, a census across Strangford Lough recorded 30,000 Brent geese, with around one quarter of those birds visiting WWT Castle Espie, one of our top family-friendly attractions in the Borough. The geese are drawn to the lough's extensive eelgrass beds, which provide a vital source of food after their long migration.
The geese can be viewed from WWT Castle Espie’s Brent Discovery Hide, with the changing tides often bringing feeding and roosting birds closer to the reserve. Visitors may also be able to pick out family groups within the larger flocks. Young Brent geese have distinctive pale markings along their flanks, offering an opportunity to see the next generation of these long-distance travellers.
What Brent Geese look like
Brent geese are among the smallest geese regularly seen in Ireland. They have:
A dark head and neck
Brown-grey upperparts
A pale belly
A small white neck patch on adults
Their flocks are often noisy and can be seen feeding on mudflats or flying in tight groups over the lough.
When to see Brent Geese on the Lough
The best time to see Brent geese on Strangford Lough is from September to April, with large numbers present throughout the winter.
Good viewing areas include the eastern shore of the lough south of Newtownards, particularly around high tide when feeding areas become covered and the birds gather closer to shore.
Conservation of our habitat
The geese depend heavily on healthy eelgrass beds. Conservation organisations, including the National Trust, work to protect these habitats and reduce disturbance from activities such as uncontrolled dogs and habitat degradation.
For birdwatchers in Northern Ireland, the arrival of the Brent geese is one of the clearest signs that autumn and winter have arrived on Strangford Lou
The National Trust in Northern Ireland play a huge role in the conservation of designated locations scattered throughout Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula; an area they describe as, "A unique and wonderful place for wildlife and people".
Learn about these locations and how the National Trust care for them, and follow their guidance on exploring and discovering these spots, vital to our local wildlife and pleasing to the eye, safely and respectfully whilst making the most of your visit to each location, with tips on what to look out for along the way.
Shorelife Celebration
The annual Shorelife Celebration organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, held every October in WWT Castle Espie and in Mount Stewart - National Trust, celebrates the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough, in a programme of activity with free entry to explore both locations. From fascinating talks, to creative themed workshops and family-friendly exploration and discover activities, the Shorelife Celebration is an for all ages and everyone who loves nature!
Find out more about Shorelife Celebration
Explore WWT Castle Espie
Explore Mount Stewart - National Trust
The Good Visitor Promise
Explore our coastline and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the wildlife that inhabits it, and take care as you go, helping us to protect, respect and enjoy our place together. We invite you to share our commitment by following The Good Visitor Promise guidelines.
Thank you for the contribution made to this blog by WWT Castle Espie, who also provided some of the featured imagery.
