Northern Ireland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Down

Explore these places for wildlife in Down. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Castle Espie — WWT Wetland Centre and Reserve

Near Ballydrain, near Comber.

Habitat: Freshwater lagoons, reedbeds and woodland border the tidal mudflats of Strangford Lough.
Wildlife to look for: Light-bellied brent goose (autumn–winter), shelduck, common tern (spring–summer), sedge warbler (spring–summer).

02 / 05

Near Dundrum.

Habitat: An extensive coastal dune system contains heath, grassland and woodland beside Dundrum Bay.
Wildlife to look for: Marsh fritillary butterfly (late May–June), common blue butterfly (late spring–summer), small copper butterfly (spring–autumn), common lizard (warmer months).

03 / 05

Near Downpatrick.

Habitat: A freshwater pondage on the River Quoile is fringed by reedbeds, marsh and wet woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Gadwall, wigeon (winter), grey heron, cormorant.

04 / 05

Near Ballyhornan.

Habitat: Flower-rich coastal grassland and scrub cover a headland edged by low cliffs.
Wildlife to look for: Common blue butterfly (late spring–summer), six-spot burnet moth (summer), stonechat, fulmar (especially spring–summer).

05 / 05

Near Portaferry.

Habitat: Raised shingle beaches, rocky shoreline, grassland and scrub occupy the southern tip of the Ards Peninsula.
Wildlife to look for: Irish hare, stonechat, linnet, whitethroat (spring–summer).