Our vision for wetlands: restoring the lifeblood of the planet
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) was founded in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott as a conservation charity to protect wetlands for wildlife and people. We are pioneers in saving threatened wetland wildlife, a centre for excellence in conservation science and experts in wetland management and creation. We believe that showing people first-hand how amazing wetlands are can ignite their passion to help us conserve them – so we also provide amazing experiences at our unique wetland centres
OUR SIX BIG GOALS
1 The UK’s wetlands and their wildlife are thriving and increasing
2 Everyone in the UK can access wetlands that provide amazing experiences and inspire support for their conservation
3 Wetlands in the UK are recognised as part of our natural infrastructure providing space for wildlife and people and vital services to us all
4 Decision makers globally understand the threats to wetland nature and are taking ambitious action to remove them
5 Wetlands are managed in a way that benefits wetland nature and enhances people’s lives across the world
6 Risks are decreasing for all wetland nature and no species have gone extinct

The home of the WWT in Northern Ireland is Castle Espie wetland centre. The centre is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough where almost the world’s entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese resides during the winter months.
WWT Castle Espie was established in 1990 to further the vision and mission of WWT in Northern Ireland. There was extensive quarrying, during the 17th to 19th centuries, and what remains has been developed into habitats of ecological value, now managed as an important nature reserve. We provide education and access to nature for the public. The centre also benefits the local economy as a tourist attraction. There are community facilities here including shop, cafe, rooms for hire indoor and outdoor play facilities and a garden and heritage orchard which acts as resource for producing food for our cafe and is managed by volunteers. Managed peat and pesticide free.