Thanks to Adam Murphy, Reserve Officer at Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) who has let us know that they are about to start works on renewing the final stretch of boardwalk in Holland’s reed bed [see map above].

Works start on Monday (19th November) and they aim to be completed in approx. 4 weeks ready for Christmas, but may take longer if there’s a delay.

Holland’s loaning will be open as normal and the boardwalk route to the hide and seating area will still be open, as will merse march walk on grass bund (all in green on map).

The main section of boardwalk will be replaced first. Then the small section (in red) – joining the link path to Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Caerlaverock (WWT) via Newfield Loaning – will be replaced at the end of the works.

Adam suggests,

“For simplicity for visitors we would recommend they walked along the road or drive to WWT as the link path itself is currently very wet and muddy in places, but for those really intrepid adventures they will still be able to access the link path during the boardwalk replacement, providing the don’t mind getting their feet wet.”