Going wild at Castle Ward

Discover wildlife on your doorstep by attending the free event held by BBC NI.

With over 20 hands on activities for all ages including canoe and cycle wildlife trails, sea shore safaris, wildlife photography masterclasses and much more, it’s a great opportunity to get closer to our extraordinary wild neighbours!

Come along and discover amazing wildlife on the shores of Strangford Lough, with nature organisations that will help you get closer to our native flora and fauna.

Get active with a host of wildlife inspired canoe and cycle trails, explore the surrounding woodland on the Go Nuts trail or learn how to capture the moment in a wildlife photography masterclass.

Be a citizen scientist for the day as you go on a Seashore Safari with the Strangford Lough Ranger and get stuck in to exploration of marine life on the shore.

Help us count all the different species of seaweed in our seaweed search, identify the creepy crawlies you can find in the bug zoo and upload your wildlife discoveries to iSpot and the Open University.

Get up close and personal with Phil’s Farm and Mantella for interactive animal encounters with a diverse range of creatures.

Have a hands on experience with the Exploris Rock Pool Roadshow, try some mini pond dipping and treat yourself to a seaweed hand spa. Don’t forget to say hello to PK the barn owl and find out more about this endangered creature.

Grab the chance to get a sneak peek at some of the equipment and research you wouldn’t normally be able to see from the Queen’s University Marine Lab.

Find out how to create a home for wildlife in your own garden: learn how to build a bat or bird box and watch a barn owl nest box building demonstration.

Attract more bees and butterflies into your garden by making your own wildflower seed bomb and take part in our big butterfly art work.

Set in the Farmyard and Old Castle Ward area of the estate; make a day of it by enjoying the many nature based activities before relaxing with some lunch in the café or at one of the various food stalls.

No ticket is required but places on some activities will be limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.

Go to bbc.co.uk/summerofwildlife to watch videos, download the Summer of Wildlife booklet and find out more.