Strangford Lough Nature Reserve to host BBC Two’s Springwatch 2021
Have you visited this picturesque spot before?
The much-loved wildlife programme, Springwatch, will return to our screens on Tuesday 25th May for a three-week run on BBC Two.
Presenters Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Iolo Williams will no longer be presenting from home.
Instead, they will be heading off around the UK to three different locations, exploring varied landscapes and habitats.
WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre in Co. Down has been selected as one of three live locations. Gillian Burke will shine a spotlight on this area of international wildlife importance here in Northern Ireland.
Located on the shores of Strangford Lough Castle Espie offers a mixture of tidal lagoon, eel-grass mats, woodland, salt marshes and reed beds. It’s home to over 60 acres of pristine wetland habitat including a range of rare wildlife rare and under threat species.
Speaking about the arrival of BBC Springwatch, Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at Castle Espie Wetland Centre said:
“We’re very excited to host the latest series of BBC Springwatch live from WWT Castle Espie.
From the return of migrating birds full of birdsong and the arrival of ducklings in our ponds and lakes, to the emergence of butterflies and wildflowers across the reserve, spring is a very colourful and noisy time around the nature reserve.”
“As a wetland conservation charity, we work hard to protect, preserve and promote the importance of wetlands and their wildlife in this part of Northern Ireland, so that they can continue to be enjoyed by many in the years to come.”
“Nature-rich wetlands like the ones at Castle Espie can help combat today’s nature, climate, and mental health crises, through their ability to boost biodiversity, store carbon, prevent flooding, clean water and improve people’s wellbeing.”
“We look forward to bringing the sights and sounds of the wetlands and spectacular views across Strangford Lough to viewers’ right across the UK.”
When does Springwatch begin?
BBC Springwatch 2021 will be live on BBC 2 for three weeks from Tuesday 25th May to Friday 11th June. It will be filmed live from Castle Espie each Tuesday and Friday.
Read more:
First look at Jamie Dornan's gripping new BBC drama The Tourist
Patrick Dempsey falls in love with Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast
NI's best play parks for adventurous kids this summer