4 April - 4 May 2015 Over 100 events Scotland’s most family friendly wildlife festival www.wildseasons.co.uk Introduction Welcome to Scotland’s most friendly family wildlife festival. Dumfries & Galloway’s 2015 Wild Spring Festival runs from the 4th April to 4th May and features a wide range of opportunities to experience our diverse wildlife, hosted by local wildlife guides. Set amidst beautiful unspoilt countryside, our festival is perfect for families and wildlife fans alike to discover and stay in the most surprising and naturally inspiring part of Scotland. In recognition of Scotland’s 2015 Year of Food and Drink theme, this year’s festival includes opportunities to make feeders for birds, squirrels and butterflies, to watch feeding badgers and red kites, and for you to taste some of our wild food yourself. Whether you wish to watch wildlife on foot, bike, canoe or Land Rover, and whenever you wish to watch it, from dawn, through the day, till dusk and at night, there’s something for you in the programme. Dumfries and Galloway is teeming with wildlife this Spring and throughout the year; find out more about our festival and all things wildlife on www.wildseasons.co.uk On behalf of the 2015 Wild Spring Festival, I extend to you a very warm welcome to you. Peter Norman Biodiversity Officer A naturally inspiring break Naturally inspiring things to do Dumfries & Galloway offers a range of quality hotel, B&B and self-catering accommodation that is second to none. Whether you plan an overnight stay, a long weekend break or an extended holiday during the school holidays, our local accommodation providers have great value deals and packages to coincide with the 2015 Wild Spring Festival. If you’re visiting Dumfries & Galloway for our Wild Spring Festival, you’ll be surprised at the variety of things to do locally. There’s foodie heaven at weekly farmers’ market, world renowned 7stanes mountain bike trails, castles, gardens and golf galore. To mark Scotland’s 2015 Year of Food & Drink, Wild Spring has a series of events with a special focus on the area’s outstanding natural larder. Find out about the variety of things to do at www.visitdumfriesandgalloway. co.uk/see-do/ You can also go search and book accommodation in Dumfries & Galloway right now at www.visitsouthwestscotland.com 2 Wildlife Events 4 April - 4 May 2015 For more events and any changes please check www.wildseasons.co.uk Wednesday 1st April - 30th June Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am Daily – Saturday 04 April to Saturday 30 May Join our friendly rangers on a guided tour to discover the fascinating world of Scotland’s largest land mammal. You’ll get fantastic views of these amazing animals! Where to meet: Galloway Forest Park, Red Deer Range hide OSGR: NX 521 731 Grade: Easy Cost:Adults £5 Children (under 16yrs) £3 Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £12 Contact: Galloway Forest District 01671 402 420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark Throughout the Wild Spring Festival you can book Scotland’s only full-time foraging tutor and wild food chef for a private session, tailored to the needs and interests of your group from 1 to 20 people. Meet the Deer Wild Food Foraging From focussed tuition sessions to general foraging days and special events, Galloway Wild Foods can provide a memorable day out in Scotland’s bountiful South-West. Sample days include; An afternoon with family and friends learning about coastal plants and shellfish in Wigtown Bay, followed by a wild food barbeque on the beach. A day exploring the wild fungi of the forest park. An evening exploring the drinks uses of wild plants and fruits followed by a wild cocktail making session A foraging walk at Rockcliffe followed by a wild food meal A car tour of exciting foraging locations around Galloway’s wild coast. Where to meet: Contact Mark to agree a location or tour Grade: Medium Cost: £50/hr minimum of 3 hrs Booking essential Contact: mark@gallowaywildfoods. com or 07900 692 478 3 www.wildseasons.co.uk Daily - Saturday 04 April to Saturday 30 May Wilderness Mountain Biking Take a short boat ride across Loch Ken, to explore Galloway Forest Park, the Red Kite secret cages and Loch Stroan by mountain bike. Trips last 1.5 hours. Where to meet: Galloway Activity Centre, DG7 3NQ. OSGR: NX657735. Grade: Medium Cost: £16.50pp Booking essential Contact: Ring 01556 502011 www.lochken.co.uk Daily - Saturday 04 April to Saturday 30 May Wilderness Canoe Trip Explore Loch Ken in our Easky touring kayaks. Large areas of Loch Ken are designated as internationally important roosting sites for Greenland white-fronted and Icelandic greylag geese. These birds breed in the far north in summer but fly to this area to escape the harsh Arctic winters. They can often be seen at the RSPB‘s Ken-Dee Marshes Nature Reserve between October and May. Other wildfowl that can be seen include whooper swans, wigeon, goldeneye and pintail duck, whilst mallard, goosander, teal and tufted duck are here throughout the year. You will see red kites, and possibly red deer and red squirrel and if you are very lucky otters have been seen early in the morning. Trips take 1.5 hours - all equipment is provided. Where to meet: Galloway Activity Centre - Loch Ken, DG7 3NQ. OSGR: 657736 Cost: £16.50pp 1.5hr trip Age Range: 8 to 80 Booking essential Contact: Richard or Ben 01556 502011 www.lochken.co.uk Saturday 04 April 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM The Wild Goose Chase Geocaching Challenge 4 Are you ready for a challenge? The Council ‘s Rangers have hidden special Wild Goose Chase geocaches in some of the best wildlife venues throughout Dumfries and Galloway. Will you be able to navigate right to the spot where the secret cache is hidden? For more about geocaching visit http://www.geocaching.com/ Where to meet: Taking place across Dumfries and Galloway. www.wildseasons.co.uk Contact: Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Rangers, [email protected] 07702212728 Daily Saturday 04 April to Monday 05 May 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Guides in the Hides An expert will be in the Sir Peter Scott Observatory and around the hides and towers every day between 11am and 3pm to point out the different birds on the reserve. Where to meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 052657 Cost: Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. Contact: 01387 770200 [email protected], www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Saturday 04 April to Sunday 03 May Watson Photography Competition Saturday 04 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Hungry Caterpillar Story Trail Learn about caterpillars and butterflies in this two hour session of activities. Make a caterpillar, go butterfly spotting, make a butterfly feeder and play a game. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561. Cost: Child £3 Booking essential Contact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Watson Birds Project encourages you to capture stunning images of wildlife and birds around the Glenkens. The competition is separated into 3 categories: Ages 5-13, 13-18, 18+. Do you think you‘ve got what it takes to capture the winning photograph, if so give it a go! Simply email the final image to lynsay@ watsonbirds.org, along with your name, age (under 18 ‘s), address and contact, by Saturday 2nd May 2015. We will then choose three winning photographs from each category. There are prizes for the winners including a two course meal kindly donated by The Clahcan Inn. Disclaimer: The images must be available for use on the Watson Birds website and other media relating to the Watson Birds Project. Contact: Lynsay Bradford Project Officer: [email protected] www.watsonbirds.org Daily Saturday 04 April – Sunday 19th April 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Easter Egg Eggstavagansa Come and explore Castle Kennedy Gardens, unravel the clues on our Easter Egg trail and win a chocolate Easter Egg prize. All completed forms will be entered into a draw to win a family ticket (2 adults 2 children) to see ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’, an open air theatre performance at the Gardens on Tuesday, 21 July. Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Cost: £2 Entry + admission to Gardens Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Strantraer, DG9 8SJ. Telephone 01581 400225 or 01776 702024 www.castlekennedygardens.com Sunday 05 April 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Easter Egg Eggstravagansa Come along for a fun day out on Easter Sunday. A range of activities for children including face painting, painting your own egg and the magical Easter Egg hunt!! Where to meet: Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Nr. Stranraer, DG9 9ND. OSGR: NX 095424. Cost: £6 Contact: Richard Baines, 01776 860231, [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/logan www.wildseasons.co.uk 5 Sunday 05 April 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Easter Egg Hunt Join us for an Easter egg hunt around the reserve, find the clues and complete the challenges to find your way to the giant nest where eggs are hidden. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561. Cost: Child £2 Booking essentialContact: T: 01387 780579 E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Sunday 05 April 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Easter at Kirroughtree Join us for our annual Easter fun at Kirroughtree. Will you spot the easter bunny out and about in the Galloway Forest Park during the Easter weekend this year? No booking required: just turn up Where to meet: Kirroughtree Visitor Centre, DG8 7BE. Cost: Free. Contact: 01671 402420, www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark Monday 06 April 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Great Caerlaverock Easter Egg Hunt Take part in the Great Caerlaverock Easter Egg Hunt, map reading around the reserve to find the egg clues. Take part in egg-related craft activities! Family event. 6 www.wildseasons.co.uk Where to meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 05109 65633 Cost: Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. Age Range: 4 to 14. Booking essential Contact: Pam Mundy, WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, 01387 770200 or email: [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Monday 06 April 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM April at Aldouran Walk around Aldouran Wetland Garden and adjacent Aldouran Glen woodland. Watch for birds and squirrels from our hide. Sample pond dipping, bird and nature craft activities with our volunteers. Enjoy coffee and home baking or soup and sandwiches in our cafe in the village hall. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry free but donations gratefully accepted. Where to meet: Aldouran Wetland Garden, Leswalt, Stranraer, DG9 0LJ. OSGR: NX10635 Contact: Jane Sloan, Kirkland Bank, Leswalt, Stranraer [email protected] www.aldouran.org. Find us on Facebook, www.aldouran.org.uk Monday 06 April to Sunday 19 April 8:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday 08 April 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Watch wild badgers feeding just outside our comfortable observatory. A unique opportunity to watch badgers in comfort whatever the weather. Fair trade tea, coffee and biscuits available. Where to meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY052657 Cost: Booking essential and tickets must be paid for in advance. Adults £7.50, Concessions £5, Children £2.50. Age Range: 7 to 100 Booking essential. Contact: 01387 770200 [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Build your own nest box to take home and put up in your garden for birds. You will also have the opportunity to build a squirrel feeder box to take home. This event is being run in partnership with Saving Scotland ‘s Red Squirrels (Scottish Wildlife Trust). Family event. Where to meet: Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 05109 65633 Cost: £5 per nest box. Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. All ages Booking essentialContact: Pam Mundy, Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, 01387 770200 or email: [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Stars and Stripes Badger Watching Tuesday 07 April 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Wild Spring at Parton A short walk up to the viewpoint above Parton. Join the RSPB to discover wild animals, plants and red kites, as they glide above. Find out how we have helped give these a home here and enjoy impressive springtime views over Loch Ken and River Dee. Kids can take part in a Scavenger Hunt. Where to meet: Boat o’ Rhone car park at Loch Ken Holiday Park, Parton, Castle Douglas, DG7 3NE OSGR: NX685703 Cost: Adults £3, children free (RSPB members half price). Contact: Calum Murray T: 01556 670464 E: [email protected] www.gallowaykitetrail.com Tuesday 07 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk Join us for a guided walk around the Mull of Galloway, a stunning location at any time of the year. Each season brings its own special experiences: from seabirds in spring, to flowers, butterflies and bugs in high summer and flocks of migrating birds in autumn. And maybe porpoise or basking shark if you’re lucky. Bring binoculars if you have them, suitable clothing and stout footwear. Where to meet: RSPB Visitor Centre, Mull of Galloway, Drummore, Stranraer, DG9 9HP OSGR: NX155304 Cost: Adults £3, children free (RSPB members half price). Contact: T: 01776 840539 or 01988 402130 E: [email protected], www.rspb.org.uk/mullofgalloway www.wildseasons.co.uk Nest Box Workshops Wednesday 08 April 2015 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Pond Dipping Discover the many weird and wonderful creatures including our unique collection of HUGE newts living in and around the two acre Round Pond with our Ranger. Meet at Castle Kennedy ruins and bring outdoor clothing. Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Cost: Included with admission to Gardens, no age restrictions. Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Strantraer, DG9 8SJ. Telephone 01581 400225 or 01776 702024 www.castlekennedygardens.com 7 Wednesday 08 April 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wild Lunch Time Talks Join us for a series of illustrated talks about wildlife. Every week there will be a different talk focussing on a particular subject, ranging from natterjack toads, to tree sparrows and ospreys. Come along and learn about local wildlife and enjoy a cup of tea. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Adults £4, children £2 (RSPB members half price). Booking essential. Contact: T: 01387 780579 E: [email protected], www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Wednesday 08 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Insights into Wildlife at Wigtown This is a great opportunity to meet an expert in spotting and talking about wildlife in Dumfries and Galloway. Meet your guide at Wigtown Harbour Hide. As well as your guide to chat to you, there will be binoculars, telescopes and books to help you see and identify the birds and other wildlife of Wigtown Bay. In severe weather or extreme high tides this event may be cancelled Where to meet: Wigtown Harbour Hide, Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve and Castle Field Wetland, DG8 9ED. OSGR: NX44015 54858 Cost: Free. Age Range: 5 to 100 Contact: Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Rangers, [email protected] 07702212728 www.wildseasons.co.uk Wednesday 08 April 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Castle Kennedy Gardens ‘Champion Trees Walk’ There are 20 majestic Champion Trees (tallest, broadest, oldest or most impressive of its kind recorded by the Tree Register) at Castle Kennedy Gardens. Join our Head Gardener to learn more fascinating facts about these trees and why they are so special. Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle 8 www.wildseasons.co.uk Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Cost: Admission to the Gardens plus £2.00 which includes a slice of home-made cake and a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in the Tea Room. No age restrictions. Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Telephone 01581 400225 or 01776 702024 Email: [email protected] www.castlekennedygardens.com Thursday 09 April 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM Golden Eagle Egg Hunt Join Watson Birds Project for a Golden Eagle Egg Hunt around St John Town of Dalry. Start at Barone and get a map with clues to find the eggs, when you find the egg however be careful not to move it as mummy Eagle will be watching! Simply write down the code that is on the egg on paper provided. The aim is to find all the eggs and codes and return back to Barone. Where to meet: Starting at Barone, Main Street, St Johns Town of Dalry, DG7 3UW Contact: Lynsay Bradford Project Officer 077187000978, email: [email protected] www.watsonbirds.org Thursday 09 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details Thursday 09 April 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Thursday 09 April 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Follow the clues along this nature trail and discover what lives in the woodland. Where to meet: High Camer picnic site on back road from Minnigaff to Bargrennan , DG8 6SR OSGR: NX 366732. Cost: Voluntary donations to CVCWT. Booking essential Contact: Pete or Linda at Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust on 01671 401423 email: [email protected] www.cvcwt.org.uk Run in conjunction with the RSPB Where to meet: Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Nr. Stranraer, DG9 9ND. OSGR: NX 095424 Cost: £6. Contact: Richard Baines, 01776 860231 [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/logan Camer Woods Treasure Hunt Thursday 09 April 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wee Woodland Beasties Identify woodland invertebrates found in pitfall traps, log piles and leaf litter. Where to meet: Eskrigg Centre, Eskrigg Nature Reserve, Lockerbie, DG11 1HY. OSGR: NY 126 805 Cost: No charge but donations to Lockerbie Wildlife Trust welcome. Age Range: 5 to 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential Contact: Jim Rae. Mobile: 07739 987 009 Email: [email protected] www.lockerbie-wildlife-trust.co.uk Make your own bird feeder Friday 10th April 10am-12 noon Yucky Mud This is a fun family walk, come and join the creatures that live in the mud on Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve with the Ranger. We will be looking at things like goose poo, trying to find crabs and other cool stuff. There might even be a chance to do a bit of mud skating! Bring wellies, wear old clothes and be prepared to get muddy and a bit wet. Where to meet Wigtown Harbour, Wigtown, DG8 9ED. OSGR NX44015 54858 Cost Free. Age range 5-100 Contact: Elizabeth Tindal, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Ranger 07702212728 or [email protected] www.wildseasons.co.uk 9 www.wildseasons.co.uk 10 www.wildseasons.co.uk Friday 10 April 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Mocha and Moths Not all moths are dull brown and boring! We’ve got dozens of species at Mersehead, and they come in all different shades and sizes. With the help of our moth trap, you’ll be able to see them up close before we release them, and find out a bit more about how they live, and enjoy a hot or cold drink while we look through our catch. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Adults £5, children £2 (RSPB members half price). Booking essential. Contact: T: 01387 780579 E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Friday 10 April 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Tongland Tour Come and see an active working hydro station. Tongland Power Station, the largest in ScottishPower’s Galloway Hydro-electric Scheme has been generating clean, green power since 1935. Take a guided walk through the Power Station and across the 298 metre dam wall and see the fish ladder, built to help salmon move upstream past the dam. A minimum number of 15 adults/ children are required to run this tour. To secure a place, please book directly with Galloway Fisheries Trust by emailing Rowan at [email protected] or by phone on 01671 40 3011. Where to meet: Tongland Power Station, Tongland, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4LT OSGR: NX 695536 Cost: Free Event Age Range: 7 to 100 Booking essential. Contact: Rowan Armstrong Galloway Fisheries Trust 01671 40 3011 [email protected] Friday 10 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2.00 PM to 3.30 PM Nature Tots Whatever the weather, come along with your little nippers for this interactive wildlife trail. Play outdoor games and sing songs, followed by a story and a cup of tea or coffee (juice for the little ones). Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Child £2 Booking essential Contact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Friday 10 April 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Barclye Past and Present A walk through the visible history of the Barclye nature reserve. From the Bronze Age to the Industrial Revolution in two hours. Where to meet: Barclye Trails Car Park (near RSPB Wood of Cree Reserve), Newton Stewart. OSGR: NX386694 Cost: Adults £4, children £2, Families (2 adult, 2 child) £10. (RSPB members half price) Booking essential. Contact: Crystal Maw T: 01988 402130, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/woodofcree Saturday 11 April 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Gardening for Wildlife Course Bees and Butterflies Join us for a fun and interactive demonstration on how to create a perfect garden for wildlife and take away cuttings from plants, plant your own seeds, learn what flowers to plant for bees and butterflies and what homes you can create for them. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Adults £5, children £2 (RSPB members half price). Booking essential. Contact: T: 01387 780579 E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead 11 www.wildseasons.co.uk Saturday 11 April 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Open Day at Red Kite Feeding Station FREE entry to the red kite feeding station at Laurieston. There are few experiences like watching dozens of kites in a food fight! Watch as they zoom down for their share, or turn acrobatics in the sky up above. We’ll be on hand in case you have any questions, and have telescopes and binoculars you can borrow. Where to meet: Bellymack Hill Farm, Kite Feeding Station, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PJ OSGR: NX689652. Cost: FREE Contact: Calum Murray T: 01556 670464, E: [email protected], www.gallowaykitetrail.com Sunday 12 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2.00 PM to 3.30 PM Bug & Mini Beast Adventures Join our Garden Ranger for our Bug & Mini Beast Adventures. Explore the fascinating bug life at Castle Kennedy Gardens and learn all about these wonderful creatures which make the Gardens their home. Meet at Castle Kennedy ruins and bring outdoor clothing. Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Cost: Included with admission to Gardens. No age restrictions Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Strantraer, DG9 8SJ. Telephone 01581 400225 or 01776 702024, www.castlekennedygardens.com Sunday 12 April 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Wellies and Worms Come and join us and be prepared to get muddy. Bring you wellies and come and make mud pies, mud towers, look for worms and much more. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Child £2 Booking essentialContact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead 12 www.wildseasons.co.uk Sunday 12 April 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Birding for Beginners Learn hints and tips from the experts to get the most out of your birdwatching. Bring binoculars if you have them and a notebook and a pencil. Where to meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 052657 Cost: Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. Booking essential. Contact: 01387 770200 [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Sunday 12 April 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Tuesday 14 April 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Come and design your own creature using recycled materials. We will investigate what lives in the garden and make some creatures for you to take home. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561. Cost: Child £2 Booking essential. Contact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Come along and enjoy a tour around the garden to discover carpets of Trilliums, exotic Rhododendrons in all all their glory! Where to meet: Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Nr. Stranraer, DG9 9ND. OSGR: NX 095424 Grade: Easy. Cost: £6 Contact: Richard Baines, 01776 860231 [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/logan Creative Creatures Guided walk: Full speed ahead! Tuesday 14 April 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Red Squirrel Open Day Come and see the Red Squirrels at Eskrigg Reserve. Meet people who are working hard to conserve the Red Squirrels in the South West of Scotland, including the Red Squirrel Conservation Officer for the region (Emma Rawling), the Grey Squirrel Control Officer (Ian Kerr) and members of the Annandale Red Squirrel Group. Find out how you can help protect the Red Squirrels in your area. Tips will be given on how best to photograph the squirrels and young children can have a go at making their own Red Squirrel face mask. Where to meet: Eskrigg Centre, Eskrigg Reserve, Lockerbie. DG11 1HY. OSGR: NY 126 805 Cost: Donations to Lockerbie Wildlife Trust and Annandale Red Squirrel Group welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential Contact: Jim Rae (Reserve Manager) Mobile: 07739 987 009 Email: [email protected] www.lockerbie-wildlife-trust.co.uk 13 www.wildseasons.co.uk Tuesday 14 April 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM Watson Bird Trail Start at Barone and witness your first bird of the day, on the back of the bird lies a clue to the next! Simply follow the clues to the next bird until you finsih the trail; remember when you find each bird write the name of the species you found on paper provided! The aim is to follow all the clues to find all the species and return back to Barone. Fun day out for the family and a great learning experience. Where to meet: Starting point at Barone, Main street, St Johns Town of Dalry, DG7 3UW Contact: Lynsay Bradford, Project Officer; 07718700978, email: [email protected] www.watsonbirds.org Tuesday 14 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details Tuesday 14 April 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM Plant collecting in Vietnam The Logan Curator will give an illustrated talk on his recent plant collecting expedition to NW Vietnam. Be prepared for snakes, leaches, fabulous scenery and of course the local cuisine!! Where to meet: Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Nr. Stranraer, DG9 9ND. OSGR: NX 095424 Cost: 6 Contact: Richard Baines, 01776 860231 [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/logan Tuesday 14 April 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Wednesday 15 April 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM First in a new series of ‘Learn 5 ‘ events, with this one focussing on familiarising yourself with mosses. The aim is that you will leave having learned 5 easy to identify mosses, and if you are really keen maybe a few more. This is a low level easy walk, and no experience or equipment is required. Please bring warm waterproof clothing. Donations are welcome. Where to meet: Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve, DG10 9LH nearest for satnav OSGR: NT186144. Booking essential Contact: Richard Clarkson [email protected] 0844 493 2249, www.nts.org.uk Where to meet: Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. See 8 April for details Mossing About 14 www.wildseasons.co.uk Nest Box Workshops Wednesday 15 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Pond Dipping Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ. See 8 April for details. Wednesday 15 April 2015 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wild Lunch Time Talks Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. See 8 April for details. Wednesday 15 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Insights into Wildlife at Wigtown Where to meet: Wigtown Harbour Hide, Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve and Castle Field Wetland, DG8 9ED. OSGR: NX44015 54858 See 8 April for details Thursday 16 April 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Spring into Wild Mossdale Explore Spring’s wild side on this ‘Galloway in miniature’ walk. Discover birds, early flowers and bugs in the meadows and woods on this trail, as well as the odd bird of prey. Kids can take part in a Scavenger Hunt. Where to meet: Mossdale, Castle Douglas (meet at car park), DG7 2NF. OSGR: NX660705 Cost: Adults £3, children free (RSPB members half price). Booking essential Contact: Calum Murray T: 01556 670464 E: [email protected] www.gallowaykitetrail.com Thursday 16 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details Thursday 16 April 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Pond Dipping Capture and identify the animals that inhabit the pond at Easter time. Where to meet: Eskrigg Centre,Eskrigg Reserve,Lockerbie. DG11 1HY OSGR: NY 126 805 Cost: Donations to Lockerbie Wildlife Trust welcome. Age Range: 5 to 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential Contact: Jim Rae (Reserve Manager) Mobile: 07739 987 009 Email: [email protected] www.lockerbie-wildlife-trust.co.uk 15 www.wildseasons.co.uk Thursday 16 April 8:15 PM to 11:45 PM Nocturnal Wildlife Tour Limited to a maximum of 6 participants per Tour If you have an interest in nature, then why not join us on one of our Nocturnal Wildlife tours. A truly unique experience awaits you so be prepared to be amazed by what you can see and experience with the aid of our professional range of handheld night vision and thermal imaging equipment. You are guaranteed to see wildlife in a way you’ve never seen it before. Detect animals as small as rabbits at up to 600 meters away or spend the time getting up close and personal with a badger at 30 yards without them knowing you’re there. Our experienced and knowledgeable tour guides will be able to guide you safely through the countryside at night in pursuit of otherwise ellusive wildlife species. Wherever we go, you ‘ll be transported in our specially prepared long wheel based Land Rover Defender, complete with a specially designed vehicle mounted thermal camera and internal viewing screens. The tour literally starts the moment you get on board as we make our way between destinations. Depending on the locations part on the Tour will be on foot away from the vehicle when you will be using a hand held thermal viewing device capable of recording anything you see. We can accommodate up to six participants on a tour. Each participant will be able to use a state of the art thermal imaging device for the duration of the tour. That ‘s not all.. everything you see and experience through our thermal and night vision devices can be recorded for you to take home with you as a memento of your Nocturnal Wildlife Tour. Where to meet: Various locations in the Castle Douglas area. Both on foot and in vehicle Cost: Prices on web site or by email from [email protected] Age Range: Min 14 years but phone for more details Booking essential Contact: Nocturnal Wildlife Tours Office 221-223 King Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DT Tel: 07483131791 www.wildlifetours.co.uk Friday 17th April 2pm-4pm Yucky Mud 16 See 10 April for details www.wildseasons.co.uk Friday 17 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Fish Up Close Fish are fascinating! Come and find out more about the fish species that live in and around the River Bladnoch through a guided tour by a Galloway Fisheries Trust biologist. Get up close to live salmon and trout, smolts, lamprey, perch, pike and roach. This free, hands-on experience is enjoyable for all ages. There may also be the opportunity to take a guided tour of Torhouse Trout - a fully operational rainbow trout farm that is situated within the same site. Where to meet: Torhouse Trout Farm Wigtown, DG8 9DJ. OSGR: NX399554 Cost: Voluntary donation greatfully received Age Range: 7 to 100. Booking essential Contact: Galloway Fisheries Trust Tel: 01671 40 3011 Email: [email protected] www.gallowayfisheriestrust.org Saturday 18 April 8:15 PM to 11:45 PM Nocturnal Wildlife Tour See 16 April for details Various locations in the Castle Douglas area. Other Tour dates on request Sunday 19 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Minibeast fun Join us for a bug hunt around the reserve. Come and see what lurks in the woods and take part in games and craft activities. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561. Cost: Child £2 Booking essentialContact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Friday 17 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Nature tots Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH See 10 April for details Saturday 18 April 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Bird Ringing Demo North Solway Ringing Group ringing demonstrations are not to be missed. They offer unique and rare opportunities to experience close encounters with the Mersehead birds - blue tits, green finches and the highly camouflaged tree sparrow - you never know what you might see! Join us to discover more about the lives of the Mersehead birds. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH. OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Adults £4, children £2 (RSPB members half price). Contact: T: 01387 780579, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead Sunday 19 April 2015 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Nature Detectives Do you know the signs to look out for while being out in the woodlands? Join us to make your own cast of various footprints left behind and discover what our resident Barn Owls have been eating. Where to meet: Drumlanrig Castle, DG3 4AQ OSGR: NX 851993. Grade: Easy Cost: Estate entry fees apply: Adults £6.00 / Child (5-16) £3.50 / Under 5s free / Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) £16.00 Booking essential: Y Contact: Buccleuch Ranger Service 01848 331555 [email protected] www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk 17 www.wildseasons.co.uk The timings for the day are as follows: 12noon-12.30pm Welcome and introductions over wild cake and foraged tipples 12.30-3.30pm Spring woods and hedgerows. Looking at edible and useful spring plants and fungi around the Fleet Valley. About 1 mile walk on easy paths. Sunday 19 April 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM High tide watch Come along to watch the wildfowl and waders of the estuary as they congregate at high water. SNH reserve staff will be on hand to help with identifying the birds and to explain how the tidal cycle governs the movents of all estuary birds. Where to meet: Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, Castle Corner Carpark, DG1 4RU OSGR: NY018652 Contact: Scottish Natural Heritage, Greystone Park, 55-57 Moffat Rd, Dumfries, DG1 1NP Tel : 01387 272440 Sunday 19 April 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM Spring Foraging & Feasting Day Explore the edible delights of spring woods, coast and hedgerows and enjoy a wild banquet in a beautiful location with the UK ‘s foremost foraging tutor and wild food chef. You will learn how to identify, mindfully harvest and use gourmet and medicinal plants, fungi, seaweeds and shellfish and enjoy an 8 course banquet with wild cocktails, showcasing the very best Galloway ingredients. This is a fantastic, memorable day out in some of the most beautiful parts of SW Scotland. Please visit the website for full details and sample menu. 18 www.wildseasons.co.uk 3.30-6.00pm Gourmet wild food tasting menu served with magnificent views up the Fleet Valley. 6.00-8pm Spring coastal foraging. About 1 mile easy walking. Timed for a super-low spring tide. Cost: £85 per person. Places limited - booking essential To book email: mark@gallowaywildfoods. com or Call Mark on 07900 692 478 Please quote ‘Galloway Spring Foraging Day April 19th‘ in all correspondence Where to meet: Gatehouse of Fleet Full directions will be provided on booking, DG7 Age Range: 16 to 80. Booking essential Contact: Mark Williams [email protected] 07900 692 478, http://www.gallowaywildfoods. com/?page_id=994 Tuesday 21 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details Wednesday 22 April 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wild Lunch Time Talks See 8 April for details Wednesday 22 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Insights into Wildlife at Wigtown See 8 April for details Wednesday 22 April 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Castle Kennedy Gardens ‘Spring Blooms Guided Walk’ Enjoy the glorious sight of early Rhododendrons and Azaleas as they burst into colour along with the Magnolias and spring bulbs. Join our Head Gardener for an informative guided walk. Where to meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Cost: Admission to the Gardens plus £2.00 which includes a slice of home-made cake and a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate in the Tea Room. No age restrictions Contact: Castle Kennedy Gardens, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SJ Telephone 01581 400225 or 01776 702024 Email: [email protected] www.castlekennedygardens.com Thursday 23 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details. Friday 24 April 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Mocha and Moths Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH See 10 April for details. Friday 24 April 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM & 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Nature Tots See 10 April for details. Saturday 25 April 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Watson Birds Bird Ringing Bird ringing is a technique used in the study of wild birds, by attaching a small, individually numbered, metal or plastic tag to their legs or wings, so that various aspects of the bird ‘s life can be studied by the measurements taken during the capture, such as molt, fat content, age, sex, wing and tail. An added bonus is the occasional ability to re-find the same individual later. This recapture or recovery of the bird can provide information that includes migration, longevity, mortality, population studies, territoriality, feeding behaviour, and other aspects that are studied by ornithologists. Andrew Bielinski, representing the North Solway Ringing Group, will be running a drop in session on Saturday 25th April between 9am & 12 noon at Barone Garden, allowing you to get involved and ask any questions you might have. Where to meet: Barone garden, Main Street, St Johns Town of Dalry. DG7 3UW Contact: Lynsay Bradford Project Officer: 0771870978, [email protected] www.watsonbirds.org Saturday 25 April 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Wild Forest Food: The future in Ettrick Forest Join us for a walk in the young native woodland which will help to restore the Ettrick Forest at Corehead Farm. Identify the trees, learn about their folklore and sample some of the products that will be available as the woodland grows. To book please email [email protected] or call 07521 664530 Where to meet: Corehead Farm and Beef Tub, Annan Water, Moffat, Dumfriesshire. DG1O 9LT OSGR: NT072122. Booking essential Contact: [email protected] 07521 664530, www.bordersforesttrust.blogspot.com Sunday 26 April 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 2.00 PM to 4.00 PM Off the Beaten Track Mersehead has toads, deer, otters, badgers, and of course birds! Join our guided walk to see how many different things you can spot, discover how we’re creating homes for nature, and find out what you can do to help in your own garden. Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH OSGR: NX925561 Cost: Adults £4, children £2 (RSPB members half price). Booking essential. Contact: T: 01387 780579 E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead 19 www.wildseasons.co.uk 20 www.wildseasons.co.uk Sunday 26 April 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Friday 01 May 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM Join WWT experts to find and identify the newly arrived spring migrants. Learn to identify those difficult warblers by song. Where to meet: WWT caerlaverock Wetland centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 052657 Cost: Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. Booking essential Contact: 01387 770200 [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk Rise early and listen with the warden to the dawn chorus in southern Scotland’s biggest ancient oak woodland. Learn to identify birds by sound. Please bring your own binoculars if you have some. Meet at the Woodland Trails Car Park. Where to meet: RSPB Wood of Cree Reserve, Newton Stewart, DG8 6SN. OSGR: NX381708 Cost: Adults £4, children £2, Families (2 adult, 2 child) £10. (RSPB members half price) Booking essential Contact: Crystal Maw T: 01988 402130 E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/woodofcree What’s that Warbler? Sunday 26 April 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Land Rover Tour We are offering a special 1.5 hour breath-taking Land Rover Tour of the stunning woodlands and policies surrounding Drumlanrig Castle, for a Wild Seasons offer of £20 per person. This is where you enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. Where to meet: Drumlanrig Castle, DG3 4AQ OSGR: NX 851 993. Booking essential Contact: Buccleuch Ranger Service 01848 331555 email: [email protected] www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk Tuesday 28 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details. Wednesday 29 April 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Wild Lunch Time Talks Where to meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH See 8 April for details. Wednesday 29 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Cree Valley Chorus Daily Friday 01 May to Friday 15 May 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 100 years of Rhododendrons An exhibition celebrating Rhododendrons - over 100 years of Discovery. Where to meet: Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Nr. Stranraer, DG9 9ND. OSGR: NX 095424 Cost: £6 Contact: Richard Baines, 01776 860231 [email protected] www.rbge.org.uk/logan Saturday 02 May 2015 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Lurkin in the Loch Enjoy a pleasant afternoon pond dipping in one of the lochs, to discover what creatures call this their home. Learn how to identify what you have caught and how this underwater ecosystem works. Where to meet: Drumlanrig Castle, DG3 4AQ OSGR: NX 851993 Grade: Easy Cost: Estate entry fees apply: Adults £6.00 / Child (5-16) £3.50 / Under 5s free / Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) £16.00 Booking essential: Y Contact: Buccleuch Ranger Service 01848 331555 [email protected] www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk Insights into Wildlife at Wigtown See 8 April for details. www.wildseasons.co.uk Thursday 30 April 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Mull of Galloway Guided Walk See 7 April for details. 21 www.wildseasons.co.uk Saturday 02 May 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM Dawn Chorus Monday 04 May 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Be an early bird for one day only, and experience one of the wonders of the natural world! The dawn chorus at the Crook of Baldoon is a riot of sound, from the trill of skylarks, to the complex scratches of reed buntings. We’ll help you tell them apart, or give you the space to just stand and listen. Bring binoculars if you have them (though really, you just need your ears). Where to meet: RSPB Crook of Baldoon Shell Road (end of), Wigtown, DG8 9AF. OSGR: NX445530 Cost: Adults £3, children free (RSPB members half price). Booking essential Contact: Paul Tarling, T: 01988 402130, E: [email protected] www.rspb.org.uk/crookofbaldoon Amphibian Fun Sunday 03 May 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM Monday 04 May 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Learn about coastal and maritime plants (including seaweeds) in a 2.5 hour walk covering about 1 mile. Full details of meeting point will be provided on booking. There will be wild treats and tasters to enjoy throughout and afterwards we will enjoy an al fresco cook-in of our finds and some wild food from further afield, whilst laying out our finds and focussing on key features of accessible species. Family friendly - easy walking for all ages Learn: Spring/Summer coastal & maritime hedgerow plants, seaweeds and shellfish. Finding, identification, poisonous lookalikes, mindful harvesting, expert tips, folklore/traditional uses, modern gourmet/medicinal uses, nutrition, processing, recipes, cooking tips, how to avoid pollution. Bring: Stout footear (wellies are hugely recommended for this walk), waterproofs, water. Your learning and enjoyment may also benefit from bringing camera, notebook, field guide (plants), small basket/cloth bag. Adults £25 Children (5-16) £15 Under 5 free Family ticket (2A+2C) £65 Places limited - booking essential - Contact: [email protected] or call 07900 692 478. Where to meet: Carrick Shore, Near Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7. Cost: Adults £25 Children £15 Age Range: 7 to 90 Booking essential Contact: [email protected] 07900692478 www.gallowaywildfoods.com A guided foray through Cally Woods exploring the delicious, healthy and surprising array of edible spring plants and fungi. Enjoy a wild cook-in of our finds in the forest afterwards. Family friendly - 1.5 miles easy walking for all ages Expect: gentle walking on well made paths over 2 hours followed by and informal al-fresco cook-in of our finds (not a full meal). There will be wild treats and tasters to enjoy throughout. Learn: Spring/Summer hedgerow plants and fungi (30+ species). Finding, identification, poisonous lookalikes, mindful harvesting, expert tips, folklore/ traditional uses, modern gourmet/medicinal uses, nutrition, processing, recipes, cooking tips. Bring: Stout footwear, waterproofs, water. Your learning and enjoyment may also benefit from bringing camera, notebook, field guide (plants), small basket/cloth bag. Places limited - booking essential. Cost: Adults £25 Children £15. Contact: [email protected] or call 07900 692 478. Where to meet: Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2DL OSGR: NX605 562 Cost: Adults £25 Children £15 Under 5 Free Age Range: 8 to 90. Booking essential Contact: [email protected] 079006924678, www.gallowaywildfoods.com Coastal Foraging & Wild Cook-In Find out about frogs, toads and newts and Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, look for tadpoles and frogs and learn about amphibian lifecycles. Family event. Where to meet: Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, DG1 4RS. OSGR: NY 05109 65633 Cost: Normal admission charges: Adults £7.99, Concessions: £6.10, Young person: £3.90, Family: £21.40, child under 4 years free, Members free. All ages. Booking essential Contact: Pam Mundy, Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, 01387 770200 or email: [email protected] www.wwt.org.uk/caerlaverock Forest Foraging & Wild Cook-In 22 www.wildseasons.co.uk Photographs courtesy of Keith Kirk Find out more:- On wildlife in Dumfries & Galloway check out the following publications and websites: Birdwatching in D&G : Available from Tourist Information Centres or [email protected] or download at www.dumgal.gov.uk/rangers Other publications on local wildlife, including butterflies, trees and Solway Coast, as well as advice on wildlife recording can be downloaded from the Dumfries & Galloway Environmental Resources Centre website at www.dgerc.org.uk?q=downloads Wildlife events take place throughout the year in Dumfries & Galloway, to find out more visit www.wildseasons.co.uk Dumfries & Galloway is an inspiring place to enjoy wildlife, please enjoy the outdoors responsibly for more information visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com weesleekit design Follow Wild Seasons in Dumfries & Galloway on www.facebook.com/wildseasonsDG twitter.com/WildSeasonsDG www.pinterest.com/wildseasons www.wildseasons.co.uk
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