Week 1: 30th March - 6th April 2012
*Marked events are particularly suitable for younger children (aged 5 – 12) and their families.
*Pteridomania
Daily from Saturday 31 March to Sunday 15 April, 10.00am – 5.00pm, Logan Botanic Garden
The exhibition celebrating the absorbing world of ferns from the Victorian “Pteridomania”, or fern craze, to the present day conservation work of the RBGE now opens at Logan Botanic Garden.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095432
Further information and bookings: Richard Baines 01776 860231
The Early Birds
Saturday 31 March, 10.00am – 12.00noon Newton Stewart
Join Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust (CVCWT) staff for an introduction to early spring woodland birds and bird song. Suitable for beginners.
Cost: Voluntary donation to CVCWT
Meet: High Camer Wood picnic area, NX366733
Further information and bookings: Pete or Linda, 01671 401423, enquiries@cvcwt.org.uk
Red Deer Range Tour
Daily from Sunday 1 April – Thursday 5 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
Ranger Ramblings
Sunday 1, Monday 2, Wednesday 4 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 Viewing Hide
Further information: FCS 01671 402420
*Stars & Stripes Badger Watch
Nightly from Monday 2 April - Sunday 15 April, 8.00pm, Caerlaverock
Watch wild Badgers feeding just outside our comfortable observatory. Fair-trade tea and coffee available.
Cost: Adults £7.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £2.50
Meet: WWT Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre, NY051656
Further information & bookings (essential): Tickets must be paid for in advance, 01387 770200
Bug Haunt!
Monday 2 April, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Stranraer
Are you an intrepid explorer? Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service are looking for children
who don’t scare easily to join then on a bug hunt in one of Stranraer’s graveyards. This is not for you if you get scared of worms and spiders and other things that might creep and crawl around near the graves.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.
Meet: Stranraer Museum
Further information & bookings (essential): Stranraer Museum 01776 705088
Water Wonders
Monday 2 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 2 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
Monday 2 April, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Logan Botanic Garden
Come along and find out what is happening in the pond. You will be amazed even at this early part of spring!!
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
Dusk on the Dunes
Monday 2 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
*From Little Acorns
Tuesday 3 April, 10.30am – 11.30am, Dumfries
Things are about to start sprouting and growing, learn about the plants, small and large that are about to come to life, and plant your own acorn to see if it will grow into an Oak tree.
Meet: Dumfries Museum, NX970757
Further information & booking (essential): Dumfries Museum 01387 253374
*Kite Making
Tuesday 3 April, 11.00am – 12.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
Come along and make your own kite from a variety of recycled materials with Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Elizabeth Tindall.
Cost: Adults £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
*Wildlife Watch and Birdy art activities
Tuesday 3 April, 11.00am – 4.00pm, Cream o’Galloway
Come along 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 3 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, DG99HP, NX155304
Further information: Hannah Doyle 01776 840539
*Paper Making
Tuesday 3 April, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, Logan Botanic Gardens
Make your own paper, the essential ingredient of any artist’s book. 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 £5.00, Children £1.00
Meet: Logan Botanic Garden, NX095426
Further information: Richard Baines 01776 860231
*Terrific Tree Trail
Tuesday 3 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Auldgirth
A wander through the Childrens Woodland at Allanton Peace Sanctuary looking at the weird and wonderful things that trees can do.
Meet: Allanton Peace Sanctuary, DG2 0RY, NX912849
Further information and booking (essential): Tom Henry 07702 250958
Dusk on the Dunes
Tuesday 3 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
Eskrigg Film Night
Wednesday 4 April, 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, Eskrigg
Come and watch wildlife movies at Eskrigg Centre.
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
Photo Walk “In search of wild geese”
Wednesday 4 April, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Mersehead
Join Dumfries and Galloway Council Countryside Ranger Keith Kirk to try and photograph the last of the geese before they head north, back to their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Aimed at DSLR camera users. Bring your own camera, tripod etc. and perhaps learn a few tips.
Meet: RSPB Mersehead, Southwick, DG2 8AH, NX926560
Further information & bookings (essential): Places are limited, book on Answer-phone 01556 505479
*Fintastic Tales – the Atlantic salmon’s amazing life!
Wednesday 4 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 to help 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
*Pond Dipping
Wednesday 4 April, 11.00am - 12.30pm, Castle Kennedy Gardens
Explore the wildlife in the pond at Castle Kennedy Gardens. Join Elizabeth Tindal of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service and learn about the weird and wonderful creatures inhabiting the pond. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
Cost: included in Admission Fee to the Gardens
Meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, DG9 8SJ, NX113606
Further information: Phone 01581 400225/01776 702024
*Tattie Bogling
Wednesday 4 April, 11.00am – 3.30pm, Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR
Spring is the gardeners’ favourite time of year, as they busily sow seeds on flower beds and vegetable patches. However, it is at this time that the garden is at its most vulnerable due to the constant threat posed by some of our greedy feathered friends!! To ensure the garden remains as safe as possible, why not try building and painting your very own mini traditional Scottish scarecrow or “tattie-bogle”. Traditionally a human shaped figure, these wooden scaring devices have been effective in protecting crops and gardens for generations.
Meet: Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR, NX554637
Further information & bookings (essential): Places may be limited, so please book to avoid disappointment, SNH 01557 814435
*Wild Wednesday
Wednesday 4 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
*Build a bird box
Wedesday 4 April, 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Castle Kennedy Gardens
Help wildlife by building a box for birds, bees or bats that you can put in your own garden. Work with Elizabeth Tindal of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service to understand what these creatures require for a good home. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Cost: £3.50 plus Admission to the Gardens
Meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, DG9 8SJ, NX113606
Further information & bookings (essential): Phone 01581 400225/01776 702024
Guide in a Hide
Wednesday 4 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
Dusk on the Dunes
Wednesday 4 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
*Easter Egg Bonanza
Every Day from Thursday 5 to Sunday 15 April,10.00am – 4.00pm
Come and explore the Gardens while completing the Easter Egg Trail. Win a chocolate Easter Egg prize and have the chance to win a family ticket to an Open Air Theatre Production taking place at the Gardens in the Summer. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear
Cost: Admission to the Gardens plus £1.50 for Trail Entry
Meet: Castle Kennedy Gardens, DG9 8SJ, NX113606
Further information: Phone 01581 400225/01776 702024
*Otterly Fantastic River Ramble
Thursday 5 April, 10.00am – 12.00noon, Newbridge
Search for signs of otter along the River Cairn from Newbridge.
Meet: Newbridge, NX948791
Further information & bookings (essential): Tom Henry 07702 250958
Mull of Galloway Guided Walk
Thursday 5 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
Dusk on the Dunes
Thursday 5 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
*Fish Up Close
Friday 6 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 6 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
Dusk on the Dunes
Friday 6 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
