ShoreLife WWT Castle Espie Free Activities

Free, non-bookable activities for all the family at WWT Castle Espie.

Event Highlights

Archery Taster Sessions
Try your hand at archery with Strangford Lough Activity Centre. Fun, games, and competitions for all ages and abilities.

Creative Family Fun
Join Mural Magic with Mrs Maker and add your mark to a colourful community mural inspired by the sea.

Wildlife Discovery
Visit the Hide to watch ducks, swans, and Brent geese up close, with expert staff on hand to share stories and facts.

Traditional Skills Demo
Spinner, dyer and knitting expert Christine Casey will help you discover the pleasures and possibilities of wool. Watch Christine weave, and maybe even give it a go yourself, as she shares her knowledge of a skill steeped in history and passed down through generations.

Engaging Talks and Tours
Learn about the local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the history of WWT Castle Espie through guided tours and expert talks.

Live Music
Enjoy performances from local musicians throughout the day.

Get creative, and close to nature
Enjoy free entertainment and creative activities for all ages, live music and a few surprises as you explore the grounds.

Mini beasts backpacks
Borrow a mini beast backpack, perfect for budding wildlife explorers. Kids can use their very own magnifying bug collector and binoculars to take a closer look at all kinds of wildlife and bugs. 

Special Guests
Hear from representatives from WWT Castle Espie and local environmental organisations, who you will find in the hides and lookout points, they will be sharing their insights and answering your questions. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about appreciating and protecting our beautiful shoreline.

Castle Espie Resident Ceramicist

Join resident artist Tracey Johnston in The Bothy at WWT Castle Espie. Often found at her pottery wheel, Tracey draws inspiration from the wildlife and landscape around her, encouraging visitors to pause, listen and connect with nature. Families can take part in a fun clay workshop, creating their own Castle Espie brick keyring from air-dry clay to take home on the day.