Week 2: 5th - 11th April 2013
Wildlife Detectives - Newton Stewart
Friday 5th April, any time between 10am & 2pm
Solve the clues and search out the wildlife on this waymarked nature trail in the Town woods.
Cost: Voluntary donations to CVCWT
Meet: at Blairmount Park car park (NX 403656) west of the Douglas Ewart High School.
Further information: Pete or Linda, Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust, 01671 401423
Fish Up Close - Wigtown
Friday 5th April, 11am – 12.30pm
A guided tour of Galloway Fisheries Trust hatchery, giving a close up view of wild salmon before they are released into their native river. Other species that may also be on show include sparling, pike, perch, lamprey, roach and salmon smolts. To finish there will be a tour of Torhouse Trout, a fully operational rainbow trout farm that is situated within the same site.
Cost: Voluntary donation
Meet: Torhouse Trout Farm car park, NX399554
Further information and booking (essential): Galloway Fisheries Trust 01671 403011 mail@gallowayfisheriestrust.org www.gallowayfisheriestrust.org
A Bug’s Life - Stranraer
Friday 5th April, 11am – 12.30pm
Join Countryside Ranger, Elizabeth Tindal, in Stranraer Museum for craft activities and a beetle drive.
Meet: Stranraer Museum, George Street DG9 7JP.
Further information and booking (essential): 01776 705088.
Family Fun Friday - Southwick
Friday 5th April, 11am – 4pm
A return of our popular Family Fun Day. Treasure trails, beach art competition, pond dipping and more. Have fun with nature at RSPB Mersehead,
Meet: Mersehead RESPB Reserve DG2 8AH
Further information: RSPB 01387 780579 or 01387 780298 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Explore an Impressive Shore - Ardwell
Friday 5th April, 2pm – 4.30pm
Go on a Coastal Ranger led walk to discover rocky shore wildlife at Ardwell Bay and find out about the rare remains of an ancient broch. Distance 4 km.
Meet: Ardwell Bay car park NX071449.
Further information and booking (essential): Making the Most of the Coast 01387 251991
The Spring Night Sky - Dalmellington
Friday 5th April, 9pm – 11pm
See the spectacular spring night sky at the new Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, situated at the edge of the Galloway Forest Park in Craigengillan Estate, Ayrshire. The events will include a talk on what is happening in the skies at springtime followed by a tour of the Observatory and a look through the telescopes – to see what there is to see in the skies! (Please note that the telescopes can only be used for viewing when we have clear skies)
Cost: £10/£8 concessions, Max 30 people per event
Meet: Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, Craigengillan Estate, Dalmellington, Ayrshire, KA6 7PZ.
Further information and booking: 01292 551118 www.scottishdarkskyobservatory.co.uk.
Open Day at South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital - Parkgate
Saturday 6th April, 11am – 4pm
Find out about the work of the SoSWH and take a tour of the hospital (patient numbers permitting). Free children’s activities.
Cost: Free, but donations appreciated.
Meet: SoSWH, Barony Campus, Parkgate, Dumfries. NY023871
Further information: SoSWH 01387 860461 or baronysoswh@sruc.co.uk
Open Day at Red Kite Feeding Station - Laurieston
Saturday 6th April, 1.30pm – 4pm
FREE entry to the red kite feeding station at Laurieston. The RSPB red kite team will be on hand to show you the kite 'Feeding Frenzy' and answer any questions. Binoculars & telescopes provided.
Cost: Voluntary donation
Meet: Bellymack Hill Farm - kite feeding station, Laurieston, DG7 2PJ
Further information: Calum Murray 01556 670464 calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
Ness Glen Guided Walks - Dalmellington
Saturday 6th April
Guided walks through the marvellous Ness Glen river gorge, with its amazing cliffs, trees, mosses and ferns. For all ages, subject to ability.
Cost: £10 per person
Meet: Craigengillan Estate, by Dalmellington, Ayrshire, KA6 7PZ.
Further information and booking (essential): Craigengillan Estate 01292 551818 www.craigengillan.com
Explore the Wild Shore - Portpatrick
Saturday 6th April, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Go on a short Coastal Ranger led walk to discover rocky shore wildlife at Killantringan and find out about ship wrecks and lighthouses. Distance 3 km.
Meet: Killantringan car park NW984568.
Further information and booking (essential): Making the Most of the Coast 01387 251991
Wild Wigtown - Wigtown
Saturday 6th April, 2pm - 4pm
Discover the wildlife on your doorstep in and around Wigtown
Cost: RSPB members £1; non-members £2
Meet: Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre, County Buildings, Wigtown
Further information and booking (essential): RSPB 01988 402130 alexa.seagrave@rspb.org.uk
Art in the Woods - Thornhill
Saturday 6th April, 2pm – 3.30pm
Using nature as your canvas, create your work of art, using only objects found in the woodlands.
Cost: Entry to country estate.
Meet: Reception, Drumlanrig Country Estate NX 851 993
Further information and booking (essential): Buccleuch Ranger Service 01848 331555
Sunset on the Solway - Southwick
Saturday 6th April, 7pm – 9pm
Join us for a guided walk to discover evening wildlife. Bring your own torch.
Cost: RSPB members free, non-members £2 adults, £1 children.
Meet: Mersehead, DG2 8AH
Further information & booking (essential): 01387 780579 or 01387 780298 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Birding for Beginners - Caerlaverock
Sunday 7th April, 1pm - 4pm
Learn the hints and tips from the experts to get the most out of your bird watching. Bring binoculars if you have them and a notebook and pencil.
Cost: normal admission rates apply, WWT members free.
Meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre.
Further information and booking (essential): Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust 01387 770200.
Treasure Hunt on Horseback - Dalmellington
Sunday 7th April, 1pm - 2.30pm
Follow the clues through the magical landscape of Craigengillan. Will suit all ages and abilities.
Cost: £20 per person
Meet: Craigengillan Estate, by Dalmellington, Ayrshire, KA6 7PZ.
Further information and booking (essential): Craigengillan Estate 01292 550594 www.craigengillan.com
Guided Woodland Wander - Newton Stewart
Sunday 7th April, 2pm - 3.30pm
Join our Ranger for a gentle stroll through the woods at Kirroughtree identifying trees and looking for wildlife as we go.
Cost: £3 per person
Meet: Kirroughtree, Galloway Forest Park NX452646
Further information and booking (essential): Forestry Commission Scotland 01671 402 420. Payment required with booking.
Spring at Eskrigg - Lockerbie
Sunday 7th April, 2pm - 4.30pm
Discover spring wildlife on a guided walk at Eskrigg Nature Reserve.
Cost: Voluntary donation.
Meet: Eskrigg Nature Reserve, Lockerbie NY125803
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae. Lockerbie Wildlife Trust 07739 987009
Guide in the Hide - Caerlaverock
Sunday 7th April,
An expert will be in the Peter Scott Observatory to point out the different birds on display.
Cost: normal admission rates apply, WWT members free.
Meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre.
Further information: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust 01387 770200.
Red Deer in Spring - New Galloway
Daily from Monday 8th April to Wednesday 10th April, 10am start
Catch up with our Forest Park Ranger in the hide and discover more about Scotland's largest land mammal.
Cost: Free
Meet: Red Deer Range hide, Queens Way, NX521731.
Further information: Forestry Commission Scotland 01671 402420
www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark.
Meet the Queen - Port Logan
Monday 8th April 2pm – 3.30pm
Join DGERC staff in the search for Queen bumblebees and other garden invertebrates. Learn how to identify the common species and get tips to make your garden more wildlife-friendly.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children £1, Family £11
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX095424
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Garden Tour - Port Logan
Tuesday 9th April, 10.30am – 12noon
Come along and enjoy a tour around the garden to discover the flush of emerging foliage and floral displays from plants such as Magnolia, Camellia, and Rhododendrons to name but a few.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children £1, Family £11
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX095424
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Shark Conservation - Port Logan
Tuesday 9th April, 1pm – 2pm
Take a journey below the waves and learn about the ocean's ultimate predators...sharks! Find out more about Sharks Skates and Rays around Scotland and learn about the work of the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children £1, Family £11
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX095424
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Mull of Galloway Guided Walk - Drummore
Tuesday 9th April, 1pm start
Join us for a guided walk around the Mull of Galloway looking at the diverse flora and wildlife of the reserve. There will be opportunities to view the seabirds, some of which will be nesting, and to look for harbour porpoise. Bring binoculars if you have them, suitable clothing and stout footwear.
Cost: RSPB members £1, non-members £2
Meet: Mull of Galloway RSPB Visitor Centre, Lighthouse, Drummore, Stranraer, DG99HP
Further information: RSPB 01988 402130 andrew.bielinski@rspb.org.uk
Water Wonders - Lockerbie
Tuesday 9th April, 2pm – 4pm.
Enjoy pond-dipping with the family at Eskrigg Nature Reserve.
Cost: £2 per person, LWT members £1
Meet: Eskrigg Nature Reserve, Lockerbie NY125803
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae. Lockerbie Wildlife Trust 0773 9987009
Bat night - Wigtown
Tuesday 9th April, 8pm - 10pm
Join the ranger for a talk about bats, followed by a walk around Wigtown to discover which bats are resident in town.
Cost: RSPB members £1; non-members £2
Meet: Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre, County Buildings, Wigtown
Further information & booking (essential): 01988 402130 alexa.seagrave@rspb.org.uk
Reptile Ramble - New Abbey
Wednesday 10th April, 10am - 12.30pm
Join DGERC and Scottish Natural Heritage staff for a walk around Kirkconnell Flow National Nature Reserve looking for some of Dumfries & Galloway's most shy and elusive animals.
Cost: Voluntary donation
Meet: Kirkconnell Flow NNR car park NX963701. Signposted from the A710 Dumfries - New Abbey road. The 372 bus runs from Dumfries.
Further information & booking (essential): DGERC, 01387 760274 or book online at http://reptileramble2013.eventbrite.com
Fintastic Tales – the Atlantic salmon’s amazing life! - Auldgirth
Wednesday 10 April, 10am - 12noon
Come and see a wild salmon hatchery where you will learn all about the amazing life of salmon and sea trout and why they are important to our rivers, as well as see thousands of salmon fry feeding in the hatchery. After visiting the hatchery, join us on a field trip where a surveying technique called electrofishing will be demonstrated. You will get to see first-hand the diversity of fish found in our local burns, learn about their role in the food web, their preferred habitats and how the Nith Fishery Management Team works together to help conserve, protect and ensure the diversity of our native fish species. Bring outdoor clothes and wellies.
Cost: Free event but donations to the Trust are welcome.
Meet: Auldgirth Inn car park, Auldgirth DG2 0XG
Further Information and booking (essential): Nith Catchment Fishery Trust, 01387 740043 trust@river-nith.com Please note that a minimum number is required to run this event.
Wild Wednesday - Southwick
Wednesday 10th April, 11am - 12pm & 1pm - 2pm
A return of our popular family event with two themed workshops in the day focusing on different aspects of nature
Meet: Mersehead RSPB Reserve DG2 8AH
Further information & booking (essential): 01387 780579 or mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Orienteering for Beginners - Newton Stewart
Wednesday 10th April, 2pm start
Join our friendly staff for an introduction to this fun course. Suitable for the whole family.
Cost: £3 per pack
Meet: Kirroughtree, Galloway Forest Park NX452646
Further information: Forestry Commission Scotland 01671 402420 www.forestry.gov.uk/gallowayforestpark.
Meet the Migrants - Wigtown
Wednesday 10th April, from 3pm to 4pm.
This is a great opportunity for wildlife watching and a bit of a chat. There will be binoculars and a telescope as well as someone who knows what they are looking for, waiting to meet you and tell you a bit about the area and its wildlife.
Meet: Wigtown harbour hide, NX438548
Further information: Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service 07702 212728
Guide in the Hide - Caerlaverock
Wednesday 10th April.
An expert will be in the Peter Scott Observatory to point out the different birds on display.
Cost: normal admission rates apply, WWT members free.
Meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre.
Further information: Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust 01387 770200.
Trek to the Secret Cages - Mossdale
Thursday 11th April, 9:45am - 1pm
A 5 km walk from Mossdale to the Secret Cages, taking in views and wildlife along the old railway line and the Raiders Road and returning via Mossdale Loch, with a Scavenger Hunt for children. Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and binoculars if you have them.
Meet: Mossdale, DG7 2NF
Further information and booking (essential): RSPB 01556 670464 calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
Kite Making - Port Logan
Thursday 11th April, 11am – 12.30pm
Come along and make your own kite from a variety of recycled materials with Dumfries and Galloway Ranger Service.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children £1, Family £11
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX 095424
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Machinery and Mud – Southwick
Thursday 11th April, 11am – 1pm
Find out how we use machinery to create homes for ducks, otters and other wildlife on the reserve on a guided walk. Wear wellies and waterproofs. This walk will cover uneven terrain and may not be suitable for everyone.
Cost: £2
Meet: RSPB Mersehead Reserve, Southwick DG2 8AH
Further information and booking (essential): 01387 780579 or mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Paper Making - Port Logan
Thursday 11th April, 2pm – 3.30pm
Make your own paper, with Dumfries and Galloway Ranger Service. We will help you to make your own art paper not just out of wood pulp but, flowers, leaves, grass, fungi and other interesting stuff. Go on give it a go!
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children £1, Family £11
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX095424
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Early Moths - Lockerbie
Thursday 11th April, 10am - 12.30pm.
Examine the results of a night’s moth trapping at Eskrigg Nature Reserve, before releasing them back into the wild.
Cost: £2 per person, LWT members £1
Meet: Eskrigg Nature Reserve, Lockerbie NY125803
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae. Lockerbie Wildlife Trust 0773 9987009
Mull of Galloway Guided Walk - Drummore
Thursday 11th April, 1pm start
Join us for a guided walk around the Mull of Galloway looking at the diverse flora and wildlife of the reserve. There will be opportunities to view the seabirds, some of which will be nesting, and to look for Harbour Porpoise. Bring binoculars if you have them, suitable clothing and stout footwear.
Cost: RSPB members £1, non-members £2
Meet: Mull of Galloway RSPB Visitor Centre, Lighthouse, Drummore, Stranraer, DG9 9HP
Further information: RSPB 01988 402130 andrew.bielinski@rspb.org.uk
