Week 2: 7th - 15th April
*Marked events are particularly suitable for younger children (aged 5 – 12) and their families.
*Easter Craft Fair
Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Mersehead
Come and browse a selection of locally produced crafts and produce in and around our Sulwath Centre. Refreshments will be available.
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information: Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
*Bird Box Building and Nature Trail
Saturday 7 April, 11.00am – 5.00pm, Caerlaverock
At this time of year, our garden birds are busy gathering materials in order to build their nests. Why not help them with this seasonal task by trying your hand at building your very own nest box. Materials and tools will be provided and reserve staff will be on hand to help. Also why not try your hand at being a nature detective on our nature trail, where you have to solve the clues on your question sheet as you explore the some of this spectacular site’s varied habitats.
Meet: Castle Corner Car Park, Caerlaverock NNR, NY018652
Further information & bookings (essential): Places for nest box building may be limited, so
please book to avoid disappointment, SNH 01387 770275
Dusk on the Dunes
Saturday 7 April, 7.00pm – 9.00pm, Mersehead
Join us for an evening walk to the high dune at Mersehead where we will be able to watch out for the geese heading to the sand flats to roost.
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information & bookings (essential): Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Spring at Eskrigg
Sunday 8 April, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm, Eskrigg
Guided walk around Eskrigg Nature Reserve and nearby woodland trails. Bring binoculars if you have them,
suitable clothing and sturdy shoes. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Voluntary contribution on the day.
Meet: Eskrigg Centre, 10 minute walk from car park at Dryfesdale Lodge Visitor’s Centre, NY126805
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae on 07739 987009 or jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk
Red Deer Range Tour
Daily from Sunday 8 – Thursday 12 April, 10.00am, Kirroughtree
Come face to face with Scotland largest land mammal in the company of our experienced Ranger. Discover more about the wild world of deer in Galloway and get great views of some of the red deer stags that live here in the range. Please arrive in plenty of time.
Cost: Adult £4.00, child/concession £3.00, Family ticket £12.00
Meet: Deer Range car park, NX515729
Further information: FCS 01671 402420
*Easter Scavenger Hunt
Sunday 8 April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Mersehead
Take part in our Scavenger Challenge. You’ll have a set amount of time to find all the things on our Scavenger sheet. If you complete the challenge in time you’ll win a prize!
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information: Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
*Easter Egg Extravaganza
Sunday 8 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
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!!
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Dalbeattie Old Port & Wildlife Trail
Sunday 8 April, 1.30pm – 4.00pm, Dalbeattie
An easy walk, approximately 3 miles long, following the Dalbeattie Burn, looking out for heron, kingfishers and dippers on the way, to its confluence with the River Urr at the ‘Dub O’ Hass’, the site of Dalbeattie Old Port. Learn about the history of the Port and its importance in the industrial growth of the town. Carry on to Dalbeattie Town Wood to look for red squirrels, then Plantain Loch and Spycraig before returning to the starting point through the historic Colliston Park. The walk is mainly on surfaced paths and forest trails on fairly level terrain. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking boots.
Meet: Main car park behind Dalbeattie Town Hall, NX833613
Further information & bookings (essential): Graham Platt, Dalbeattie Community Initiative, 71 High Street, Dalbeattie, DG5 4HA, 01556 612518 graham.dci@fsmail.net
Ranger Ramblings
Sunday 8, Monday 9, Thursday 12, Sunday 15 April, Drop in between 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Galloway Red Deer Range
Drop in at the Red Deer Range hide for a wildlife chat with our Ranger. Get great views from the hide of female red deer and stags. Discover what other wildlife to look out for just now and great locations to visit whilst exploring the Galloway Forest Park.
Meet: Galloway Red Deer Range Hide
Further information: FCS 01671 402420
Dusk on the Dunes
Sunday 8 April, 7.00pm – 9.00pm, Mersehead
Join us for an evening walk to the high dune at Mersehead where we will be able to watch out for the geese heading to the sand flats to roost.
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information & bookings (essential): Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Water Wonders
Monday 9 April, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, Eskrigg
Investigate the pond life at Eskrigg Nature Reserve. Find out how the breeding season has gone for the frogs, toads and newts this year. Wellies and waterproofs advisable. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: £2.00
Meet: Eskrigg Centre, 10 minute walk from car park at Dryfesdale Lodge Visitor’s Centre, NY126805
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae on 07739 987009 or jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk
*Remarkable Raptors
Monday 9 April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Wigtown
Come and find out about our amazing birds of prey with Family fun, games, and activities.
Meet: Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre, County Buildings, Wigtown, DG8 9JH, NX434554
Further information: Andrew Bielinski 01988 402130 andrew.bielinski@rspb.org.uk
*Pond Dipping and Record Breaking Bird Roadshow
Monday 9 April, 10.30am – 11.30am, Kippford
Join staff and volunteers from RSPB Mersehead as they explore what lurks in the pond at Kippford Holiday Park. Then afterwards find out some fabulous facts about birds as RSPB perform the Record Breaking Bird Roadshow.
Meet: Kippford Holiday Park, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG5 4LF, NX844562
Further information: Paul Buffery 01556 620636
Spring has arrived!
Monday 9 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
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 £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Walk on the Wildside
Monday 9 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Wigtown
Catch the tide with the Warden for an informative walk through the RSPB Crook of Baldoon Reserve. Learn about the resident wildlife and the on-going conservation work. Bring binoculars and walking boots.
Cost: £1.00 members, £2.00 non-members
Meet: RSPB’s Crook of Baldoon Reserve, NX445530
Further information & bookings (essential): Paul Tarling 01988 402130 Paul.Tarling@rspb.org.uk
Bird Calls for Beginners
Tuesday 10 April, 10.00am, Kirroughtree
Join our Ranger Lucy Hadley on a short stroll on the paths around Kirroughtree visitor centre listening for springtime bird song. Learn a few of the most common calls and head back to the visitor centre for a well-earned tea or coffee. Ideal for beginners. Please wrap up warm and wear sturdy footwear.
Cost: £5.00 per person
Meet: Kirroughtree visitor centre, NX451646
Further information & bookings (essential): FCS 01671 402420
*Nest Building
Tuesday 10 April, 10.30am – 11.30am, Dumfries
Do you think you could build a nest as well as the birds can? Come along and find out how, why and where birds build their nests and then have a go at building your own, and protecting it from predators!
Meet: Dumfries Museum, NX970757
Further information & booking (essential): Dumfries Museum 01387 253374
*Wildlife Watch and Birdy Art Activities
Tuesday 10 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Cream o’Galloway
Another opportunity to come and join staff and volunteers from RSPB Mersehead for some pond dipping. Also why not have a go at Bird Bingo and make a bird wrist flapper, snapper or mask to take home
Meet: Cream o’Galloway, Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, DG7 2DR, NX593512
Further information: Helen Fenby, Cream o’Galloway, 01557 815222 info@creamogalloway.co.uk
Mull of Galloway Guided Walk
Tuesday 10 April, 1.00pm, Mull of Galloway
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: £1.00 members, £2.00 non-members
Meet: Mull of Galloway RSPB Visitor Centre, Drummore, DG99HP, NX155304
Further information: Hannah Doyle 01776 840539
*Easter Egg Hunt
Tuesday 10 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Auldgirth
Build a bird’s nest and search the woods at Allanton Peace Sanctuary for Fairtrade chocolate eggs. Fun and games for children of all ages.
Cost: £3.00
Meet: Allanton Peace Sanctuary, NX912849
Further information & booking (essential): Allanton Peace Sanctuary 01387 740642
Photographing the Signs of Spring
Wednesday 11 April, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Gatehouse of Fleet
Join Dumfries and Galloway Council Countryside Ranger Keith Kirk to look for and photograph the first signs of spring. Aimed at DSLR camera users. Bring your own camera, tripod etc. and perhaps learn a few tips.
Meet: FCS Car Park beside the Information Hut on the left just inside the entrance road to the Cally Palace, NX605560
Further information & booking (essential): Places are limited, booking on Answer-phone 01556 505479
*Fintastic Tales – the Atlantic Salmon’s Amazing Life!
Wednesday 11 April, 10.00am – 12.00noon, Auldgirth
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 tohelp conserve, protect and ensure the diversity of our native fish species. Bring outdoor clothes and wellies. Please note that a minimum number is required to run this event.
Cost: Free but donations to the Trust welcome
Meet: Auldgirth Inn car park, Auldgirth, NX913868
Further information & bookings (essential): Nith Catchment Fishery Trust, 01387 740043 trust@river-nith.com
Reptile Ramble
Wednesday 11 April, 10.00am – 12.30pm, Kirkconnell
Explore Kirkconnell National Nature Reserve with DGERC and SNH staff looking for some of Dumfries and Galloway’s most shy and elusive animals.
Meet: Kirkconnell Flow NNR car park NX963701. Access to the reserve is from the A710 Dumfries to New Abbey road. The 372 bus runs from Dumfries.
Further information & bookings (essential): DGERC, 01387 760274 or http://reptileramble2012.eventbrite.com
April at Aldouran
Wednesday 11 April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Leswalt
Walk around Aldouran Wetland Garden and adjacent Aldouran Glen (owned by the Woodland Trust). Enjoy pond dipping, bird watching, local photography competition etc. Guides will be on hand. Sturdy shoes are advisable. Please bring binoculars if you have them. The Wetland Garden and bird hide are accessible for the disabled.Soup, sandwiches, drinks, home baking and toilet facilities will be available all day in Leswalt Memorial Hall.
Cost: Voluntary donations to Leswalt Community Association
Meet: Leswalt Memorial Hall (Blue Badge holders will be redirected from here), NX017639
Further information: Jane Sloan on 01776 870648 /07919 798399 or j.sloan648@btinternet.com, www.leswaltwetlandgarden.org.uk
*A Walk on the Wildside
Wednesday 11 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Powfoot
Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service, in partnership with Active Schools, are putting on a fun filled afternoon of walking, nature activities and outdoor workouts aimed to keep children busy over the Easter Holidays.
Meet: Powfoot Beach, Powfoot, NY143562
Further information & bookings (essential): Ross Gemmell 07834567893
*Wild Wednesday
Wednesday 11 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Mersehead
A return of our popular family event with themed workshops throughout the day focussing on different aspects of nature.
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information: Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
*Bird Box Making
Wednesday 11 April, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
Come along and make your own bird nesting box to take away with you. Why not get close to nature this Easter and do your bit to save the Planet!
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Places can be reserved in advance with Richard Baines 01776 860231
Guided Garden Walk - Champion Tree Walk
Wednesday 11 April, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Castle Kennedy Gardens
Join this walk led by Head Gardener, John MacArthur and see the Champion Trees which are the largest or tallest of their species. There are 6 British Champions, 11 Scottish and 25 for Dumfries and Galloway all at Castle Kennedy & Gardens. They include the tallest Himalayan Rhododendron arboreum which is an original specimen, the tallest Eucryphia cordifolia standing at approximately 22 metres in height, as well as a remarkable Griselinia which has girth of over 4 metres. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
Cost: Admission to the Gardens and £3.00 (to include tea or coffee and a slice of cake at the Tearoom)
Meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, DG9 8SJ, NX113606
Further information: Phone 01581 400225/01776 702024
Guide in a Hide
Wednesday 11 April, 4.00pm – 5.00pm, Wigtown
Goose Guides will be on hand between 4 pm and 5pm to help you identify the geese and swans of Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve which are passing through on their journey north to the Arctic. As well as a guide, there will be binoculars, telescopes and books to help you see and identify the birds.
Meet: Wigtown Harbour hide, NX440548
Further information: Elizabeth Tindal (DGC Ranger) 01988 402401, wblnr@dumgal.gov.uk
Early Moths
Thursday 12 April, 10.00 am – 12 noon, Eskrigg
Find out which species of moth are out and about at Eskrigg Nature Reserve in April.
Cost: £2.00
Meet: Eskrigg Centre, 10 minute walk from car park at Dryfesdale Lodge Visitor’s Centre, NY126805
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae on 07739 987009 or jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk
Mossdale to Secret Cages
Thursday 12 April, 9.45am – 1.00pm, Mossdale
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. Please bring waterproofs and stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Meet: Galloway Kite Trail car park in Mossdale, DG7 2NF, NX 662705
Further information & bookings (essential): Calum Murray 01556 670464 calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
*Seashore Safari
Thursday 12 April, 10.00am – 12.00noon, Carsethorn
Wander along the beach at Powillimount to see what shells, seaweed and scuttling, slimy sea creatures can be found there.
Meet: Powillimount, NX989564
Further information & bookings (essential): Tom Henry 07702 250958
*Meet the Queen
Thursday 12 April, 11.00am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
Join DGERC staff in the search for Queen Bumble bees 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 £5.00, Children£1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Mull of Galloway Guided Walk
Thursday 12 April, 1.00pm, Mull of Galloway
Join RSPB 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: £1.00 members, £2.00 non-members
Meet: Mull of Galloway RSPB Visitor Centre, Drummore, DG9 9HP, NX155304
Further information: Hannah Doyle 01776 840539
*A Walk on the Wild Side
Thursday 12 April, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Langholm
Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service, in partnership with Active Schools, are putting on a fun filled afternoon of walking, nature activities and woodland workouts aimed to keep children busy over the Easter Holidays.
Meet: Langholm – more details will be given on booking
Further information & bookings (essential): Ross Gemmell 07834567893
*Fish Up Close
Friday 13 April, 11.00am – 12.30pm, Wigtown
A guided tour of Galloway Fisheries Trust hatchery, giving a close up view of wild trout and salmon before they are released into their native river. Other species that may also be on show include pike, perch, lampreys, 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.
Meet: Torhouse Trout Farm car park, NX399554
Further information & bookings (essential): Galloway Fisheries Trust 01671 403011, mail@gallowayfisheriestrust.org
*Family Fun Friday
Friday 13 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Mersehead
A return of our popular Family Fun Friday with treasure trails, beach art competitions, pond dipping and more. Have fun with nature at RSPB Mersehead.
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information: Becky Jones 01387 780579 mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Signs of Spring
Friday 13 April, 1.30pm – 4.00pm, Newton Stewart
Join Cree Valley Community Woodlands staff on this 3 mile guided walk to seek out signs of spring in this ancient semi-natural oak woodland. Bring walking boots and outdoor clothing. This walk is suitable for accompanied older children.
Cost: Voluntary donation to CVCWT
Meet: Knockman Wood car park, NX408674
Further information & bookings (essential): Pete or Linda, 01671 401423, enquiries@cvcwt.org.uk
‘Springtime’s Sproutin’ on the Annan
Friday 13 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Brydekirk
A walk along Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland south of Brydekirk with Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service, examining the signs that show us that spring is finally on its way. Boots essential and binoculars if owned.
Meet: Brydekirk, further details given on booking
Further information & bookings (essential): Ross Gemmell 07834567893
*Wildlife Detectives
Saturday 14 April, Anytime between 10.00am – 2.00pm, Glentrool
Solve the clues and search out the wildlife on this waymarked nature trail. Cree Valley Community Woodlands staff will be on hand to help. This event is suitable for all ages.
Cost: Voluntary donation to CVCWT
Meet: Caldons car park, Glentrool, NX397791
Further information & bookings (essential): Pete or Linda, 01671 401423, enquiries@cvcwt.org.uk
‘Spring has Sprung’
Saturday 14 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Rockcliffe
Pop in and join the National Trust for Scotland Rangers to look for signs of spring and find out why the wildlife is so busy at Rockcliffe!
Meet: Mote Fields at Rockcliffe (follow signs from car park)
Further information: National Trust for Scotland, 0844 493 2244
Red Kite Feeding Station Open Day
Saturday 14 April, 1.30pm – 4.00pm, Laurieston
FREE entry to the red kite feeding station at Laurieston. RSPB staff will be on hand to show you the kites, provide information and answer any questions. Optics provided.
Meet: Bellymack Hill Farm - kite feeding station, Laurieston, DG7 2PJ, NX690648
Further information: Calum Murray 01556 670464, calum.murray@rspb.org.uk
Moorland Dawn Walk
Sunday 15 April, 6.00am – 8.30am, Langholm
Join us to see the delights of the moorland including sightings of Hen Harrier, Merlin, Short Eared Owl and Raven. Breakfast provided.
Meet: Kiln Green, Langholm, NY363848
Further information & bookings (essential): Cat Barlow 013873 80914 cat@langholminitiative.co.uk
Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles
Sunday 15 April, 9.00am – 11.00am, Beattock
Come and look for the mammals, amphibians and reptiles that live in the forest and lochans at
Earshaigs.
Meet: Earshaigs parking place on the Crooked Road above Beattock, NT049024
Further information & bookings (essential): Andy Riches 07792142446 or slioch69@aol.com
Wild Food Forage
Sunday 15 April, 10.00am – 3.00pm, Langholm
Join us for a nature walk with a difference, forage for wild foods and enjoy a cooking demonstration by wild chef John Crouch. Lunch provided.
Meet: Langholm Golf Club, NY366846
Further information & bookings (essential): Cat Barlow 013873 80914 cat@langholminitiative.co.uk
Wigtown Bay Ospreys
Sunday 15 April, 10.00am – 4.00pm, Wigtown
Celebrate the return of Ospreys to Dumfries and Galloway. We will be looking at footage from the previous successful seasons and preparing for the new year. There will be various family fun activities as well.
Meet: Wigtown Bay Visitor Centre, County Buildings, Wigtown, DG8 9JH, NX434554
Further information: Andrew Bielinski 01988 402130, andrew.bielinski@rspb.org.uk
Crook of Baldoon Open Day
Sunday 15 April, 10.00am – 5.00pm, Wigtown
Come along and see the work the RSPB and its volunteers have achieved over the past year. We have walks along the Skylark Walk and a talk about our work and plans for the future.
Cost: Free but donations welcome
Meet: RSPB’s Crook of Baldoon Reserve, NX445530
Further information: Paul Tarling 01988 402130 Paul.Tarling@rspb.org.uk
*South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital Open Day
Sunday 15 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Parkgate
The opportunity to see around SoSWH (patient numbers permitting)
Cost: Free but donations appreciated
Meet: Wildlife Hospital car park, Barony College, NY023871
Further information: South of Scotland Wildlife Hospital, 01387 860461, soswh@barony.ac.uk www.soswh.org.uk
Spring at Eskrigg
Sunday 15 April, 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm, Eskrigg
Guided walk around Eskrigg Nature Reserve and nearby woodland trails. Bring binoculars if you have them, suitable clothing and sturdy shoes. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Voluntary contribution on the day
Meet: Eskrigg Centre, 10 minute walk from car park at Dryfesdale Lodge Visitor’s Centre, NY126805
Further information and booking (essential): Jim Rae on 07739 987009 or jim_rae2000@yahoo.co.uk
