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Castle Espie: County Down centre to lose all captive birds

Source

www.bbc.co.uk

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Large white birds, that look like seagulls, peck at the grown. Above them is a web of netting. Behind then are ponds of water and small green islands.

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Castle Espie wildlife centre in County Down to lose all captive birds due to avian flu, costs, and Brexit

Overview

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) has announced that all remaining captive birds at the Castle Espie reserve in County Down will be transferred to other UK sites from November onwards. The decision is part of wider cost-cutting measures driven by financial deficits, avian influenza outbreaks, and post-Brexit transport regulations that have increased red tape and logistics costs. Additionally, the centre is ending its guided school tour programme due to financial pressures and low booking numbers, though self-guided visits will still be welcomed.

Key points

  • All captive birds at Castle Espie will be transferred to other WWT sites across the UK starting from November.
  • The captive bird collection has dropped from around 500 to fewer than 100 due to avian flu, Brexit transport difficulties, and cost-cutting measures.
  • Post-Brexit biosecurity checks and the Windsor Framework requirements have introduced heavy administrative and logistical costs for moving birds to Northern Ireland.
  • The centre is ending its guided school tour programme, citing financial pressures and low booking numbers, but will continue to allow self-guided school visits.
  • Local politicians have expressed disappointment over the loss of guided educational visits, highlighting their importance for youth conservation awareness.
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