Wild Goose Festival

Artful Migration Exhibition
2023-10-14 10:00 - 2023-11-11 17:00 UTC | Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road,, Dumfries, DG1 1JQ
Closed (Sundays & Mondays)

An exhibition by Artful Migration artists-in-residence, Leeming & Paterson.

Over the past 8 months Ted Leeming & Morag Paterson have spent time at Lochar Mosses exploring the elusive Nightjar, one of Scotland’s rarest and most unusual birds, which appears to be thriving in the region.

The nightjar has secretive behaviour and an almost supernatural reputation, being only visible at night. Leeming & Paterson have observed the birds and their behaviours, explored the threats to the birds, which include habitat degradation and the challenges that climate change is having.

The exhibition, which is the culmination of their residency period, includes a range of photographic, alternative processes and audio/visual work by the artists, working both together and individually as they explore the behaviours, habitats, threats and opportunities that link local to global.

Leeming & Paterson’s work explores the landscape and our human interactions therein in the context of the twin emergencies of climate change and biodiversity loss. Often working close to their home in Galloway, the natural world forms the basis of inspiration for many of their collaborative images and projects.

The residency is the third in a programme of three residencies which have been developed by Upland and Moving Souls Dance since 2017. Each residency has offered artists a unique insight into the migratory birds of Dumfries & Galloway through partnership working with local nature reserves and the opportunity to create new, high-quality artworks in response for public display. The 2023 residency has been delivered in partnership with Forest and Land Scotland and RSPB Scotland with funding from Creative Scotland.

Conversing Building in partnership with Fife College & HMP Dumfries
2023-10-23 09:00 - 2023-11-18 15:00 | The Stove Cafe, 100 High Street, Dumfries, Scotland, DG1 2BJ, United Kingdom
Postponed from October 16th | Closed Sunday’s

As part of this year’s Wild Goose Festival, the Stove’s Conversing Building project has been engaging with Fife College learners based at HMP Dumfries. Sharing inspirations and prompts from the festivals theme of Keep Looking Up, the learners have worked through a variety of creative mediums to respond through both creative writing and visual mediums including painting and drawing.

The works on display began during a creative workshop day exploring the background of the festival and it’s wider themes of migration, nature and of course, a celebration of our seasonal visitors – the geese!

Stop by the Stove Café during visitor hours to have a closer look at the work created.

All artworks are submitted anonymously.

Keep Looking Up

The migration of the barnacle goose has been a rich source for writers and artists for centuries. Before we were able to monitor their movements, there were many myths on the origins of the barnacle goose. Like the name suggests some used to believe that during the winter, barnacle geese turned into barnacles in the sea, as they disappeared after every summer leading many to question their whereabouts.

Their arrival is most noticeably heard by their calls in flight as they pass over the towns and villages of Scotland. As onlookers crane their necks skyward, the faint but distinctive ‘V’ formation affords us an opportunity to pause, to observe and to connect, for a small moment, with our natural environment.

That’s why our theme for this year is ‘Keep Looking Up’. We’re asking everyone to take a moment to pause, to look up and ponder their place in the natural world.

About Conversing Building

Conversing Building is an in-house Stove project that explores how communities and artists can interact with the Stove building and wider environments through visual means. Conversing Building considers all of the spaces in and around the Stove as potential locations for dialogue, activity and gathering.

The Stove Cafe hosts regular displays and exhibitions, both as part of the Stove’s activity and featuring ‘guest’ projects and artists with visiting works, conversational installations and displays – that seek to gather, share and create discussion in the town centre.

About Fife College

The vision of Fife College is to transform the lives of our students through inspirations learning and teaching. Our mission is to deliver excellent opportunities for our students and work with them to develop their full potential with life enhancing skills, knowledge, experience and resilience that will shape their future success.

Dusk Flight: Walk up Wardlaw
2024-03-29 18:00 - 20:00
Flock of Pink-footed Geese in flight at sunset

WWT Caerlaverock wardens are joining NatureScot reserve staff to lead a walk up Wardlaw Hill to see the dusk flight of the pink-footed geese and barnacle geese as they head out to roost on the Solway mudflats.

The walk will start at Caerlaverock Castle, it is a free ticketed event – please email: southern_scotland_admin@nature.scot if you require further details.

Please wear good sturdy footwear and bring warm clothes and waterproofs in the event of cold/wet weather.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Accessibility Details: No wheelchair access, due to steep hill walk and off road tracks. No dogs except guide dogs.

Age Restriction: 8+

Goodbye to the Geese - Meet a Warden
2024-03-30 11:00 - 13:00 | WWT Caerlaverock, WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS, United Kingdom
This Easter weekend, join us at WWT Caerlaverock as we say farewell for now to our overwintering geese. Come and meet a warden to learn more about barnacle geese, their migration, this important wetland habitat and how we manage the reserve for geese and other species.

Goodbye to the Geese - Dusk Flight
2024-03-31 19:00 - 21:00 | WWT Caerlaverock, WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS, United Kingdom
Barnacle geese at sunset over Caerlaverock

This Easter weekend, join us at WWT Caerlaverock as we say farewell for now to our overwintering geese.

On our dusk flight walk, you can witness the stunning spectacle of barnacle geese gathering on the Solway mudflats in their thousands as they prepare to make their 2,000-mile migration to Spitsbergen in the Norwegian Arctic.

Join the wardens out on the merse, as we stay open later to watch the geese flighting out against the sunset.

Bring warm, waterproof clothing, walking boots or wellingtons, binoculars and a torch.

Terms & Conditions

Booking essential, £10 per person (minimum age 10 years), please phone 01387 770200.

Connecting Habitats with Dr Larry Griffin
2024-07-16 08:00 - 17:00
Connections between different sites celebrating the geese such as Lindisfarne and D&G are celebrated as both host our internationally important barnacle and pink-footed, and both sites cater for brent geese from different parts of the Arctic too through their provision of safe, high quality undisturbed foraging and roosting habitats.

All three species have similar coastal habitat needs for saltmarsh and wet pastures.

These migratory goose needs can be contrasted with the year round needs of our own resident greylag geese which are often overlooked, ill understood and unappreciated by comparison, yet they are a rich source of intrigue once we start to shine a light on their yearly exploits and struggles for survival.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Revealing the Intricate Lives of a Lesser Loved Goose, the Greylag
2024-10-10 14:30 - 16:30 | Balmaclellan Village Hall, 1 Murrayfield, Balmaclellan, Castle Douglas, Scotland, DG7 3QE, United Kingdom
Greylag Goose in Flight | Photo by Tony Hisgett

Speaker Larry Griffin: Larry works on wildfowl in Scotland and, in particular, over the past 25 years on Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese, and Whooper Swans in Dumfries and Galloway, and more recently on the resident Greylag Geese.

In the recent past, the Greylag Goose was a rare protected species restricted to the north-western isles. It has become more common in this region and within Scotland and the UK generally. It appears to be static, but GPS tracking has shown that they have a complex set of seasonal movements specific to each individual, and the birds you see on your local patch are unlikely to be the same birds day in and day out. This is an under-appreciated species with a much-tarnished image, which has interesting and varied breeding strategies, even nesting in trees.

Nana’s Garden – Children's Activity with Lift D&G
2024-10-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Lift D&G, Lochside Road, Dumfries
Lift D&G Cabin

Join LIFT D&G and local artists for engaging, nature-themed workshops for children at the Cabin on Dunlop Road. Let your imagination soar, get creative, and forge a deeper connection with the local environment. Artist to be announced.

Migration Exhibition: Wildlife, Journeys, & Plastic
2024-10-18 09:00 - 2024-10-27 15:00 | The Stove Cafe, 100 High Street, Dumfries, Scotland, DG1 2BJ, United Kingdom
Solway Firth Partnership

This exhibition will be in place and open to view at The Stove Cafe daily, excluding Sunday’s.

Routes taken by wildlife and plastic to and from the Solway shore often follow close parallels. This exhibition compares and contrasts the often remarkable journeys taken by the migrating wildlife and floating litter that rely on ocean currents and prevailing winds.

Watch wildlife at the Robert Burns Centre
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2024-10-26 17:00 | Robert Burns Centre, Mill Road, Dumfries, Scotland, DG2 7BE, United Kingdom
(Closed Sunday’s & Monday’s)

Have a go at wildlife watching in Dumfries.

One of the best places to watch wildlife in Dumfries is the Robert Burns Centre, situated on the River Nith. Visitors (and staff) regularly see otters, herons, kingfishers and more.

During the Wild Goose Festival, there will be binoculars and wildlife identification guides available for you to use. Drop in during opening hours, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm and see what wildlife wonders await in the centre of Dumfries.

Free, no need to book.

Halloween and Weird Geese Trail at Mersehead
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2024-10-27 16:00 | RSPB Mersehead, RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH, United Kingdom
RSPB Scotland

This activity is available every day from 12th October – 27th October, 10am. 4pm (excluding Tuesday 15th October and Tuesday 22nd October)

Strange sounds and creepy features, explore the trail for spooky creatures!

Follow our Halloween activity trail to create your own spell, discover some mystery and magic about nature and who knows what weird and wonderful things you will experience? With some activities on mysterious facts about our special Barnacle Geese, Mmwhaaaahhh!

Booking not essential, you can drop in any time on dates when this event takes place.

All children must be accompanied by adults. Additional car park charge applies for non-RSPB members.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: £3 per activity booklet

Accessibility Details: Firm, mostly surfaced path along route and garden. Distance: 1.2km

Event Capacity: n/a

Age Restriction: For all ages from 3 years

Booking Details: Booking not essential

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hub Programme 2024
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2024-10-26 16:00 | The Loreburne Centre, High St, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG1 2BD, United Kingdom
Join us at the Wild Goose Festival Hub this October for fun and creative events, science workshops, and activities. Learn all about our feathery friends, the Wild Geese, and discover why they visit us here in Dumfries & Galloway every year. Meet some of the people helping to protect our natural resources and get crafty with our artists.

All our activities are FREE, drop-in, and suitable for all ages.

Open daily from 10am – 4pm, 16th – 26th October (closed Sunday) at the Loreburne Centre.

Programme of Activity

Friday 18th October

Stories Just in Case

11:00am – 3:00pm

Join the master puppeteers from Clyde Built Theatre for a day of storytelling as they take over our hub with shows at the top of each hour.

G(r)oosem Tales: an Illustration Workshop

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Join local illustrator Korey Patterson as he asks “What if Geese grew on trees”? Drawing inspiration from ancient myth and folklore, come conjure up some wild and monstrous geese to perch on our Goose tree.

Saturday 19th October

Barnacle Goose Monitoring

10:00am – 4:00pm

Join the RSPB Mersehead team as they lead an activity on Barnacle Geese grazing, its impacts, and how they are monitored.

Puppet Making

11:30am – 1:00pm

Join the puppet makers from Clyde Built Theatre as they walk participants through how to make their very own goose puppet.

Fun Family Folktales

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Join international storyteller Allison Galbraith as she captivates the whole family with her hilarious Scottish tales.

Monday 21st October

Build a Goose

10:00am – 3:00pm

Join the NatureScot reserve team as they answer your science questions and lead a workshop building cardboard geese planes.

Tuesday 22nd October

Journeys

10:00am – 1:00pm

Join Solway Firth Partnership as they hold a “Where did the duck go?” competition and a “Where did that come from?” beach find session suitable for both children and curious adults.

Mapping Geese: a Print Workshop Exploring the Geese’s story from Svalbard to Dumfries

11:00am – 3:00pm

Using tetra pack relief printing, artist Emily Tough will guide the co-creation of a large-scale map of the Geese’s journey to us.

Goose Call Identification

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Join the WWT team as they lead a sound activity identifying the four most common geese in the region.

Wednesday 23rd October

Salt Marshes & Goose News

10:00am – 1:00pm

Join SCAMP as they bring a miniature interactive Saltmarsh and lead a child-friendly eco-journalism activity.

Flying Geese, Make your own Flapping Mobile

11:00am – 3:00pm

Join artist Emily Tough as she leads a workshop on decorating and assembling your own flapping mobile goose to take home.

Sonic Safari

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Join Species on the Edge as they explore animal sounds! Manipulate field recordings of geese, bats, wading birds, and amphibians to create a real-time safari symphony.

Thursday 24th October

Journeys

10:00am – 1:00pm

Join Solway Firth Partnership as they hold a “Where did the duck go?” competition and a “Where did that come from?” beach find session suitable for both children and curious adults.

Goose Talk

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Join Dr Larry Griffin as he leads a kid-friendly event exploring how different sites celebrate the geese while shining a light on their yearly adventures.

Goose Call Identification

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Join the WWT team as they lead a sound activity identifying the four most common geese in the region.

Friday 25th October

Move!

11:00am – 3:00pm

Join Paragon as they celebrate migration with marvellous music and movement! Come on a journey across the world and explore what migration looks like, how it sounds and how it feels.

Saturday 26th October

Barnacle Goose Monitoring

1:00pm – 4:00pm

Join the RSPB Mersehead team as they lead an activity on Barnacle Geese grazing, its impacts, and how they are monitored.

WG Hub Programme V2 2024 DigitalDownload

Saltmarsh Science
2024-10-18 11:00 - 13:00 | RSPB Crook of Baldoon, Shell Road, Wigtown, DG8 9AF
Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team & SCAMP

Saltmarshes (or merse) is a very popular habitat for Geese as they return for the winter. This unique environment provides a home and a rich sources of food for many other breeds of birds, including lapwing, redshank and skylark.

Meeting at the RSPB Reserve at Crook of Baldoon we will go on a walking adventure with Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) project officer, Nick Chisholm, and learn to see the Saltmarsh through the eyes of an ecologist. From the broad landscape context we will explore how it grows and struggles to the microscopic detail of what we might not notice without a little help.

We will be walking across undulating landscape with ditches. This means the ground is uneven and rough in places. We will be hoping for a lovely sunny Autumn day but just in case, please come dressed for the weather and the terrain.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: Free

Accessibility Details: We will be walking across undulating landscape with ditches. This means the ground is uneven and rough in places

Event Capacity:15

Age Restriction: 8 +

BOOKING DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED

Sketching to See Saltmarsh
2024-10-18 14:00 - 16:00 | RSPB Crook of Baldoon, Shell Road, Wigtown, DG8 9AF
Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team & SCAMP

Saltmarshes (or merse) is a very popular habitat for Geese as they return for the winter. This unique environment provides a home and a rich sources of food for many other breeds of birds, including lapwing, redshank and skylark.

If you look a little closer the saltmarsh is bursting with life in the grasses, the mud, and the water. Sketching is a brilliant way to explore merse. While sketching we are still and observing what is happening on, in and around the Saltmarsh on a landscape scale and focused on the detail.

So, join us for a few hours out on the merse no experience of art required and we will teach you how to look at saltmarsh slightly differently.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: Free

Accessibility Details: We will be walking across undulating landscape with ditches. This means the ground is uneven and rough in places

Event Capacity:15

Age Restriction: 8 +

BOOK HERE

Hear Here: Project Launch
2024-10-18 18:00 - 20:00
The Stove & Fair Scotland

Join us for the dynamic launch of Hear Here, a collaborative project by the Stove Network and Fair Scotland.

Celebrate the heritage, culture, and contemporary lives of the Showpeople and their significant contributions to the town.

The event features guest speakers, presentations, and a film.

Goose Breakfast at The Boathouse
2024-10-19 08:00 - 10:00 | The Boathouse, Quayside,, Glencaple, Dumfries, DG1 4RE, United Kingdom
Pink Footed Geese | Photo by Brian Morrell

Enjoy a breakfast at the Boathouse in Glencaple and learn about the geese of the Solway Firth with experts from WWT Caerlaverock and NatureScot. Watch as the geese use the river to navigate to their feeding grounds to start the day.

Event Type: Indoor (possibly outdoor on patio if weather allows)

Event cost: No booking cost but you will have to pay for breakfast

Accessibility Details: n/a

Event Capacity: 20

Age Restriction: 10+

Booking Details: Call the Boathouse to book on 01387 770 673 or through the website: https://theboathouseglencaple.com/

Creative Writing Workshop with Stephen Rutt
2024-10-19 12:00 - 14:00 | The Supper Room, County Buildings, South Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9JH
The saltmarsh at Wigtown attracts thousands of wintering pink footed geese, barnacle geese, ducks and waders. In spring and summer a host of special plants cover the merse, and the sound of skylarks fill the air. It is a beautiful and rare habitat which is inspiring to write about. Local author Stephen Rutt will guide you to write creatively about nature. Also an amateur naturalist, he specialises in creative non-fiction prose and birds. He won the Saltire Society’s first book award, as well as a Roger Deakin award for his debut book, The Seafarers. His second book, Wintering was one of The Times’s best nature books of the year for 2019. The Eternal Season, his third book, has been shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s non-fiction book of the year. His writing has been published by Granta.com, The Guardian, The Scotsman and Caught By The River. www.stephenrutt.com

Event Type: Indoor

Event: Free

Accessibility Details: Accessible for wheelchair users.

Event Capacity: 15

Age Restriction: None

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Funny Family Folktales
2024-10-19 14:00 - 15:00 | The Wild Goose Festival Hub, Carers Centre, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG1 2PW, United Kingdom
Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Author and storyteller Allison Galbraith will captivate the whole family with her hilarious Scottish stories.

Meet the Woolly Pet and sing along with a gang of escaped farm animals, including a GOOSE!

Join an interactive quest through prehistoric Scotland and discover why dogs are our best friends.

Scottish Folktales: Bridges to the Otherworld
2024-10-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Riverside Tap, 5 Friars Vennel, Dumfries, DG1 2RQ
Scottish Storytelling Festival

Folklorist Allison Galbraith and storyteller Beverley Casebow will enthral you with stories from the Otherworld.

Our ancestors’ belief in a world of spirits and ethereal beings has bestowed a wealth of supernatural stories on Scotland. Join us for an entertaining evening with vexed fairies, nature wisdom and much humour.

Children (12+) must be accompanied by an adult.

Dawn Flight
2024-10-20 07:00 - 09:00 | WWT Caerlaverock, WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS, United Kingdom
Greet the dawn with the spectacular flight of the barnacle geese departing the reserve as the sun comes up.

These beautiful birds have spent the night out on the Solway mudflats and fly in to feed on the fields during the day. Join the wardens out on the merse, as we open early to watch the geese flying against the dawn sky.

Bring warm, waterproof clothing and footwear, binoculars and a torch.

Breakfast available.

Event Type: Outdoor

Accessibility Details: Involves a walk but there are seats at the end and we can offer manual wheelchairs. Surface is flat and hard. Can be wet underfoot so warm and waterproof clothing and footwear is required.

Event Capacity: 15

Age Restriction: 10+

Booking Details: Call WWT Caerlaverock to book on 01387 770 200

Birding for Brents - CANCELLED
2024-10-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Bunker Snack Bar Carpark by A77, Stranraer, DG9 8QJ
GSA Biosphere, Scottish Ornithologists Club (SOC), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Loch Ryan is a fantastic birding spot with a wintering population of light-bellied brent geese.

These fascinating birds migrate 5,000km from Canada each year to spend the winter on our coastline. Most of the population winter in Ireland, but we have a small population on the coasts of West Galloway where they feed on eel grass during the winter.

Other birds migrating here for the winter include eider ducks, long tailed ducks, common scoters, wigeon, teal, red throated divers and Slavonian grebes. Waders are also in abundance with curlews, golden plover, grey plover, knot and dunlin present.

We will meet at the carpark in Stranraer and use telescopes and binoculars to find and identify the birds.

Experts will be present to help with identification and to provide further information about ecology and migration.

This event is held in partnership with the GSA Biosphere, British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Scottish Ornithology Club (SOC). Please bring lunch, warm and waterproof clothing, suitable footwear, binoculars and telescopes if you have them.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: Free

Accessibility Details: The outdoor walk on the beach is not suitable for wheelchairs, however the birds can be observed from the car park.

Event Capacity: 25

Age Restriction: All ages welcome

Goose Roost on Sandflats Walk at Mersehead
2024-10-20 17:30 - 19:30 | RSPB Mersehead, RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 8AH, United Kingdom
RSPB Scotland

Some of the greatest spectacles of nature take place at dusk. Join our guide to enjoy Svalbard barnacle geese descending on the sandflat and reserve to roost. ¾mile/1.3km walk down to the shore, to view geese as they fly over onto the sandflats. There may be some standing around for a while once in position. Please wrap up warmly, come prepared for cold or wet weather and bring a torch for safe return to the car park afterwards. All children must be accompanied by ticketed adults.

Please note, as the reserve location is prone to flooding, we ask that all individuals/groups attending provide a telephone number, so we can notify you in advance if the event is cancelled.

Note that access over the sand-dunes is not suitable for normal wheelchairs. Families welcome (though not suitable for younger children, as may involve some standing around while waiting). All children must be accompanied by ticketed adults. Additional car park charge applies for non-RSPB members.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: from £5 (child ½ price)

Accessibility Details: Firm, mostly surfaced path along route. Distance: 2+miles/3.4km. Visibility will diminish, with return walk in darkness.

Event Capacity: 15

Age Restriction: Adults and children 12+

Booking Details: BOOKING ESSENTIAL

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Storytelling and Games with Carl the Goose
2024-10-21 11:00 - 13:00 | WWT Caerlaverock, WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS, United Kingdom
WWT Caerlaverock (with Include Us)

Storytelling and Games with Carl the Goose | Illustration by Julia Stephen

Join Include Us at WWT Caerlaverock for a morning of fun and games! Meet Carl the Goose and Steven C Gull who will tell their story. There will be art activities, games and more fun for all the family!

Event Type: Outdoor (will be moved indoors if the weather is horrible)

Accessibility Details: No walking involved. Manual wheelchairs available for hire. Reserve is wet and so weather proof clothing and footwear is recommended.

Event Capacity: n/a

Age Restriction: Family activity

Booking Details: No booking necessary.

Dr Werner Kissling: Photographer Ethnographer & Migrant
2024-10-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Dumfries and Galloway Council Museums Service, Dumfries Museum, Rotchell Road, Dumfries, DG2 7SW
Learn about the life and works of pioneering German Filmmaker photographer (and Dumfries resident) Dr Werner Kissling in this fully illustrated talk.

Dr Werner Kissling was born into great luxury in Germany before World War One. For over thirty years, he worked closely with Dumfries Museum Curators Alf Truckell and David Lockwood to photograph the lives of the people of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dr Kissling left behind an amazing number of images which this talk will share as well as exploring his life and times.

Free to attend, no need to book.

High Tide Birding
2024-10-21 14:00 - 15:30 | WWT Caerlaverock, WWT Caerlaverock, Eastpark Farm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, DG1 4RS, United Kingdom
High Tide Birding | Photo by Graham Edwards

Watch a spectacle of hundreds of ducks, waders and geese flocking on the merse, brought in by the high tide.

Join a warden who will be on hand to identify and explain more about the variety of wildlife encountered and the importance of this special saltmarsh habitat.

Possible sightings include golden plover, dunlin, pintail, shelduck, barnacle geese and even raptors: there is also a good chance of spotting birds of prey such as hen harrier and peregrine falcon.

Event Type: Outdoor

Accessibility Details: involves walking. Site will likely be wet so waterproof clothing and footwear required. Manual wheelchairs available. Site is flat.

Event Capacity: 15

Age Restriction: 10+

Booking Details: Call WWT Caerlaverock to book on 01387 770 200

Event included with admission

Nature Faces with NatureScot
2024-10-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Castle Corner Carpark, for Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve, Dumfries, DG1 4RU
An interactive morning with our reserve officers to get into the woods, collect natural materials and talk about the animals that live on the reserve.

There will be a large gazebo so that the artworks can be completed even in if there is wet weather.

Parking will be at Castle Corner car park a few minutes from the event site.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: The event is free, but booking is essential.

Accessibility Details: Wheelchair accessibility

Event Capacity: 20

Age Restriction: 5+

BOOK HERE

A Time Travelling Walk Through Saltmarsh
2024-10-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Annan Museum, Bank Street, Annan, DG12 6AA
Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team & SCAMP

Saltmarshes (or merse) is a very popular habitat for Geese as they return for the winter. This unique environment provides a home and a rich sources of food for many other breeds of birds, including lapwing, redshank and skylark.

Human also have a relationship through time with the merse and its inhabitants. Saltmarsh is also our friend, helping prevent flooding, taking the energy out of storm waves and helping to purify water.

Meeting at Annan Museum we will investigate the artefacts and historical stories linked to the merse (Saltmarsh). From there we will embark on a walking adventure with Solway Coast and Marine Project’s (SCAMP) ecologist, Nick Chisholm, to explore the human relationship, ecology and condition of the Annan merse. Finishing off with a brain storm about the challenges and opportunities there may be for the merse in the future.

We will be walking across undulating landscape with ditches. This means the ground is uneven and rough in places. We will be hoping for a lovely sunny Autumn day but just in case, please come dressed for the weather and the terrain.

Event Type: Outdoor

Event: Free

Accessibility Details: We will be walking across undulating landscape with ditches. This means the ground is uneven and rough in places

Event Capacity:15

Age Restriction: 8 +

Booking Details: BOOKING ESSENTIAL

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Film Screening: My Neighbour Totoro
2024-10-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Robert Burns Centre, Mill Road, Dumfries, Scotland, DG2 7BE, United Kingdom
When two sisters relocate to the Japanese countryside, they quickly realise they have unusual neighbours including Totoro.

This film is being screened as part of the Wild Goose Festival – its themes are Nature, Creativity and Place

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Greenland to Galloway
2024-10-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Crannog, Lochside Park, Castle Douglas, DG7 1EZ
Loch Ken is home to one of the few colonies of Greenland White Fronted Geese in the UK.

Come hear a talk from the RSPB about the amazing journey of this endangered species to winter in Galloway and the work being done to help support and restore the species.
