Castle Espie Wetland Centre is getting ready to welcome visitors to The Big Brent Weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October.
The weekend celebrates one of its greatest wildlife spectacles of the year – the return of the light-bellied Brent Geese to the shores of Strangford Lough. Every year in September and October, around 25,000 light-bellied brent geese make the challenging 3,000 mile journey with their young from Arctic Canada to Strangford Lough.
Across the two days visitors will enjoy a range of experiences which highlights the incredible journey of the Brent Geese, including fun family activities, photography workshops, expert talks, and arts and craft workshops.
- Get up close with the Brent Geese with the Guide in the Hide talks. Learn about the migration of the Brent and see them close up through a long lens. Experts will be on hand to reveal techniques used to help us learn more about this wonderful wildlife as well as answer questions.
- Book your place on a photography workshop. Pick up tips on how to take that perfect wildlife photo with an WWT wildlife photographer. Join the WWT collection rangers to hear about the Brent Geese which have a permanent home at WWT Castle Espie.
- Children will enjoy Brent Geese themed art workshops with well-known local artists Sarah Majury and Bernice Anderson. No need to book, just drop in and take part.
- Or reserve a place at the Big Brent Story session. This is both an entertaining and educational story of the Brent’s migration aimed at families and primary school aged children – booking advised.
- Don’t forget to relax and enjoy delicious homemade refreshments whilst taking in the view of the stunning landscape of Strangford Lough from the window of the Kingfisher Kitchen.
Looking forward to The Big Brent Weekend, Paul Stewart WWT Castle Espie Centre Manager said: “The team at WWT Castle Espie is looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Big Brent Weekend Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th October. September and October is a significant period for us as we welcome back thousands of Brent Geese to the shores of Strangford Lough. We hope visitors will join us to witness this incredible spectacle, take time to reconnect with nature, enjoy the beautiful surroundings as well as the range of activities on offer. It is guaranteed to be an exciting, fun filled weekend as well as a wonderful natural experience for everyone.”
For further information on the WWT Castle Espie, events, group visits and experiences visit https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/
