Week 2 Events: 11th - 18th April*Marked events are particularly suitable for younger children (aged 5-12 years) and families. All other events suitable for older children and adults.
Mammals, Reptiles & AmphibiansSunday 11th April, 9.00am – 11.00am, EarshaigsLed by both the DGC Ranger Service and local wildlife enthusiast Andy Riches, we plan on taking a closer look at some of Earshaig's small mammals using mammal traps and keeping our eyes peeled for basking reptiles in the springtime sun! We will then round it off with a spot of pond dipping to examine the Amphibians and Water Insects lurking in the depths of the Earshaig Lochans, Beattock. Bring wellies and suitable outdoor clothing.
*An Introduction to Local BirdlifeSunday 11th April, 10.30am – 1.00pm, Castle DouglasJoin local birdwatchers from the Stewartry Branch of the Scotland's Bird Club in finding and identifying both resident and migrant birds of water, woodland and farmland. Suitable for all ages and degrees of expertise, but beginners and children (accompanied but adults) are especially welcome. Sorry no dogs. Bring binoculars and telescope if you have them. Further information: Stewartry Scottish Ornithologists Club. Joan Howie 01644 430226 or Geoff Packard 01556 670466
Meikle Richorn Riverside RambleSunday 11th April 2.00pm – 4.00pm, DalbeattieSituated in the East Stewartry Coast National Scenic Area, join Ian Brown NSA Communities Ranger for a walk around Meikle Richorn and enjoy stunning views across the River Urr. This is an easy walk but requires stout footwear or wellies, bring binoculars if you have them. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Landrover TourSunday 11th April, 11.00am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 3.30pm, DrumlanrigJoin one of our Rangers on a Landrover Tour and discover the wide diversity of species and habitats to be found within the Queensberry Estate.
Meander along the UrrMonday 12th April, 1.00pm – 4.00pm, PalnackieExplore the banks of the River Urr from Palnackie towards Almorness Point with the NSA Ranger and find out about the local history and wildlife of this National Scenic Area. This is a moderate walk requiring stout footwear or wellies, bring binoculars if you have them. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Nature Photography in the Digital AgeMonday 12th April, 1.30pm - 4.00pm, DalbeattieBring your digital camera and learn how to record images of nature with local Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger and photographer Keith Kirk.
Waders at the WetlandMonday 12th - Friday 16th April, anytime from 6.00pm until dusk, WigtownLook out for some of the waders that migrate through Wigtown Bay at this time of year. Castle Field Wetland is a great place for waders to stop off and for you to see them using the Wigtown Harbour hide. There will be a guide in the hide along with binoculars, a telescope and identification books.
Wildlife Recording DayTuesday 13th April, 9.30am – 1.00pm, Newton StewartJoin DGERC and Cree Valley Community Woodlands staff in a hunt to find and record the many different plants and animals found in and around the park.
Airds Point to Kirkconnel FlowTuesday 13th April, 10.00am – 3.00pm, New AbbeyA full days walking taking in three habitats and the chance to see a multitude of wildlife. Starting from New Abbey we walk out to Airds Point through mixed woodland with the chance to look for signs of otter. Then we head along the side of the Nith Estuary overlooking Kirkconnel merse, a great place to see deer before stopping for lunch at Kirkconnel Flow National Nature reserve and then a walk back along quiet roads.
The arrival of SpringTuesday 13th April 10.30am -12.00noon, Logan Botanic GardenCome along and enjoy a tour around the garden to discover the flush of emerging foliage and floral displays from plants such as Magnolia, Camellia, and Rhododendrons to name b
*Bird box building SNHTuesday 13th April 11.00am – 3.00pm, Caerlaverock NNRWith spring in the air, garden birds will be turning their attentions to nesting, so come along and make a free nest box to take home. A camera installed in a nest box at the reserve office and linked to the visitor room will hopefully provide close up views of its inhabitants in the process of nesting. This event is suitable for children aged 5-10 years old.
Hatchery Open DayWednesday 14th April, 10.00am -12.00noon, AuldgirthCome and see the Nith Catchment Fishery Trust hatchery where Salmon fry can be seen feeding and the whole hatchery process will be explained. You can then join us on a field visit to see and hear how some of our riverside habitat improvement work is helping improve biodiversity within our catchments
* ‘Wetland Wander’Wednesday 14th April, 10.00am - 3.00pm, Threave Estate and Carlingwark LochJoin an NTS Ranger for a longer walk to look at the wildlife around Threave wetlands and Carlingwark loch. Please bring warm, waterproof clothing, walking boots, packed
Wildfowl and Wader WalkThursday 15th April, 11.00am – 1.00pm, SouthwickThis is a wonderful time to see lapwing performing their acrobatic tumbling display on the reserve. During the walk we hope to see other waders such as redshank and oystercatcher, as well as some over wintering wildfowl.
*Caerlaverock NNR Nature TrailThursday 15th April 11.00am – 3.00pm, Caerlaverock NNRIf you fancy trying your hand at being a nature detective come along to Scotland’s largest wetland National Nature Reserve and join the Scottish Natural Heritage staff to explore the flooders nature trail. A keen pair of eyes will be needed to find all the clues on this 1.5 mile circular trail. Wellies and waterproof clothing advisable.
*Fun with Botanical ArtThursday 15th April 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Logan Botanic GardenHave a go at environmental art; combine textures and colours from the garden to make you own piece of art, possibly something to take away or to leave for others to enjoy.
*Bugs and BeastiesThursday 15th April 2.00pm to 3.30pm, Logan Botanic GardensA fun filled event for all the family. Join Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Elizabeth Tindal in a minibeast hunt and make a deluxe “Bug Hotel” for the garden’s minibeasts to stay in.
Reptile RambleFriday 16th April, 10am – 1.00pm, Kirkconnell Flow NNRJoin DGERC and SNH staff for a walk around the National Nature Reserve looking for some of Dumfries and Galloway's most shy and elusive animals
*Fish Up CloseFriday 16th April, 11.00am -12.30pm, WigtownA guided tour of Galloway Fisheries Trust hatchery, giving a close up view of wild trout and salmon before they are released into their native river. Other species that may also be on show include Pike, Perch, lampreys, Roach and salmon smolts. To finish there will be a tour of Torhouse Trout, a fully operational Rainbow Trout Farm that is situated within the same site.
*Pond-dippingFriday 16th April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, LockerbieCome along and try pond dipping at the old curling pond at the Eskrigg Nature Reserve run by the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust. Bring wellies.
Spring in the StewartrySaturday 17th April, 10.00am - 12.30pm, MossdaleJoin naturalists from the Scottish Wildlife Trust along the old railway line at Mossdale in search of spring migrants, early butterflies and adders.
Wigtown Bay Open DaySaturday 17th April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, WigtownWigtown Bay is a great place to look for geese, ducks, waders and raptors. RSPB staff and other local wildfo
Ospreys are back in GallowaySaturday 17th April, anytime from 10.00am – 4.00pm, WigtownThis is your chance to welcome Ospreys back to Galloway. We will be looking at footage from the successful 2008 season and preparing for the New Year, Will our ospreys have returned to "Ospreys are back in Galloway" nest? Will there be 3 chicks on our nest again? Will there be other ospreys breeding in Dumfries and Galloway this year?
Goosechase and SoundscapesSaturday 17th April, 3.00pm, ThornhillA reading of poetry in response to the wildlife and landscape of Dumfries and Galloway by four award-winning poets - Jean Atkin, Jackie Galley, Vivien Jones and Fiona Russell.
Woodland WildlifeSunday 18th April, 3.00pm - 5.00pm, DrumlanrigEnjoy a stroll through a variety of different woodland
*Explore the SeashoreSunday 18th April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Gatehouse of FleetJoin the NSA Ranger to find out what creatures can be found along the seashore and how they are adapted to survive life at the beach. This is an easy walk, but please bring wellies. Children must be accompanied by an adult
*South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital Open DaySunday 18th April, anytime from 11.00am – 4.00pm, ParkgateCome along and visit your local wildlife hospital. You will have the opportunity to find out what exactly we do, look round our facilities and observe fantastic CCTV footage of patients past and present! |
ut a few.
and increasing fish numbers. Bring outdoor clothes and wellies.
lunch and binoculars if you have them.
ults £5/children £1
ars onto Kirkconnel Avenue. The reserve entrance is 300m on the left. The 372 bus from Dumfries will also set passengers down at the road entrance.
wl experts will be on hand in the bird hide to show you the wealth of wetland wildlife. Wigtown Bay local nature reserve is managed by D&G Council Ranger service.
types to discover what wildlife calls our woodlands home.
