“I welcome that my Department was able to grant aid this centre of excellence which provides opportunities to learn about wetland habitat restoration, local geology and archaeology."

Mr Poots was particularly impressed with the low energy and renewable materials used in the design of the buildings. As he toured the site, he also welcomed the significant improvements which have been made to the coastal and wetland habitats which will benefit a wide variety of species including ringed plover, kingfishers and otters. The minister also surveyed the views of Strangford Lough from the Brent bird hide which had been extended as part of the restoration project. He added:

“This project, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, perfectly complements the built and natural environment and is an inspirational example of how, in terms of sustainability and biodiversity, we can get it right.”

Notes to readers:

1. The restoration project which WWT has undertaken at Castle Espie is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. It included overhauling the buildings and spaces for interpreting wetland biodiversity, local geology and archaeology. The Visitor Centre was named the NIEA Sustainable Building Project of the Year 2009 by Sustainable Ireland magazine. In addition, creation and restoration of habitats contributes to some of the key priorities for biodiversity as detailed in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy (NIBG) and UK Biodiversity Action Plans.

2. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s (NIEA) Natural Heritage Grants Programme committed funding of £250,000 which was used for habitat creation and management and visitor interpretation. The estimated cost of the entire project is around £4.3m. The Heritage Lottery Fund is the main funder.

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