2015 Wild Spring Festival Brochure here

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,
elizabeth.tindal@dumgal.gov.uk
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
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk,
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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:
lynsay@watsonbirds.org
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,
r.baines@rbge.org.uk
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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:
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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
j.sloan648@btinternet.com
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
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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: info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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: calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
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: mullofgalloway@rspb.org.uk,
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk,
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,
elizabethtindal@dumgal.gov.uk
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: info@castlekennedygardens.com
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: lynsay@watsonbirds.org
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: enquiries@cvcwt.org.uk
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
r.baines@rbge.org.uk
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: jim.rae2012@gmail.com
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 elizabeth.tindal@dumgal.gov.uk
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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
rowan@gallowayfisheriestrust.org
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
rowan@gallowayfisheriestrust.org
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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: crystal.maw@rspb.org.uk
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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: calum.murray@rspb.org.uk,
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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
r.baines@rbge.org.uk
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: jim.rae2012@gmail.com
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: lynsay@watsonbirds.org
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
r.baines@rbge.org.uk
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
rclarkson@nts.org.uk
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: calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
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: jim.rae2012@gmail.com
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
info@wildlifetours.co.uk
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: mail@gallowayfisheriestrust.org
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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
rangerservice@buccleuch.com
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
mark@gallowaywildfoods.com
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: info@castlekennedygardens.com
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, lynsay@watsonbirds.org
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
Corehead@bordersforesttrust.org
or call 07521 664530
Where to meet: Corehead Farm and Beef Tub,
Annan Water, Moffat, Dumfriesshire. DG1O 9LT
OSGR: NT072122. Booking essential Contact:
Corehead@bordersforesttrust.org
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: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
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
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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: crystal.maw@rspb.org.uk
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: rangerservice@buccleuch.com
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
r.baines@rbge.org.uk
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
rangerservice@buccleuch.com
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: crookofbaldoon@rspb.org.uk
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:
mark@gallowaywildfoods.com
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: mark@gallowaywildfoods.com
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: mark@gallowaywildfoods.com 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: mark@gallowaywildfoods.com
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:
info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
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
rangers@dumgal.gov.uk 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