Coastal Habitat Restoration – WWT Castle Espie

The aim of the project is to restore a shallow freshwater lagoon and to encourage non – disturbing access and interpretation of open water and marsh habitats. To restore over 2 hectares of species – rich limestone grassland (a lowland calcareous grassland), and diverse open water and freshwater marsh communities. To create a mosaic of habitats adjacent to Strangford Lough which will also include restored saltmarsh and saline lagoon. To provide footpath access along screened approaches and a series of observatories and outlooks, with visual and audio – visual interpretation. A monitoring programme will be included. This is part of a large scale development of the Castle Espie Wetland Centre.