Dumfries and Galloway is such a special place for so many reasons. If you’d like to bring your children up to have a love of nature and a wonder for wildlife, this is the place! Read on! 

We are so lucky in Caerlaverock to be surrounded by opportunities to get out and about and see wonderful wildlife! Of course, we have the exceptional WWT Caerlaverock on our doorstep with their great programme of events. And the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) managed Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve (NNR) which is ‘open’ to everyone to visit and enjoy!

And at certain times of year, all you need to do is look up into the sky for a burst of beauty as the geese arrive back to the shores of the Solway, or to spot any number of amazing migratory birds and butterflies. Or have a wee look down at the ground for a glimpse of reptilian or amphibian life – including the endangered and localised natterjack toad. Or a glance under a leaf to find a curious caterpillar or a clutch of endearing eggs. Or a gaze over the river Nith, where you might see the dark cycle of a porpoise’s back, the flash of a kingfisher, or a family of otters fishing. All have been seen by our community within the varied local habitats.  

Alternatively, close your eyes and just listen! 

Not so far away as the crow flies, RSPB Mersehead is another fabulous place to take yourselves (nevermind the children!). With a host of events, their walks through woodland, farmland, wetland, salt marsh and stretch of sea-shore there are so many opportunities to spot something special.

They run a specific ‘Wildlife Explorers‘ group which meets at the RSPB reserve at Mersehead once a month and is aimed at youngsters aged between 8 and 12 years old.

Helen O’Donoghue has been in touch to ask if we can let everyone know about the group. You can find their newly set up >>>Facebook page here<<< and for some more info about their next meeting on the 1st of September – Mighty Butterflies – >>click here<<.

And the WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Explorers continue every day from 10am to 5pm until the 3rd of September.

A love of nature never leaves you.

Mersehead Moorhens RSPB Wildlife Explorer Group
Environmental Conservation Organisation
DG2 8AH
Dumfries