One of Scotland’s best wetland nature reserves, WWT Caerlaverock, reopens to the public on Thursday 2 July. 

After a period of closure, the reserve opens its doors with a renewed focus on delivering a wilder, wetter wetland experience that plays a major role in supporting wildlife, people and the planet. 

Open three days a week – Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – the reserve is a window into the wild Solway coast; its never-ending skies and vast wilderness characterise a place that shifts between water and earth. 

WWT Centre and Reserve Manager, David Pickett, said: “After some time restructuring our small but mighty team and completing essential site maintenance, including making some improvements to our paths and hides, we’re so pleased to be able to welcome visitors to WWT Caerlaverock once again. 

“This reserve really is special. It’s firmly planted between land and sea, bringing the most bountiful diversity of species and habitats with it. It’s a place where nature is king. After all, Caerlaverock means ‘Castle of the Skylark’. 

“At this time of year there’s so much to see, do, hear and just soak up. Caerlaverock is renowned for its winter birding spectacles, but the summer months are just as rich with life. From the sweet scent of our wildflower meadow trail which blooms with red clover, yellow rattle, hawksbit and buttercups, to the beautiful song of the skylarks that are abundant throughout June and July.” 

Wetland habitats come in all shapes and sizes at WWT Caerlaverock. At the admissions entrance, visitors can take inspiration from mini drainpipe wetlands and spot an underwater invertebrate or two.  

Further out into the reserve, some of the newest wetlands created on the reserve sit in the corner field. Now established over several seasons, these pools and scrapes are a hive of activity for birds like teal, wigeon and lapwing.  

The reserve is especially interested in sightings in and around newly created wetland areas, and visitors are encouraged to share what they see and capture with the WWT Caerlaverock team. 

Dave continued: “We’re also celebrating the beautiful dragonfly this summer in our own special way, as part of the wetland charity’s Dragonfly Festival. Our site here in Scotland is officially recognised as a ‘dragonfly hotspot’ by British Dragonfly Society, and the hot weather provides the perfect conditions to experience all kinds of rare and wonderful species.” 

Reduced admission prices for WWT Caerlaverock are available from 2 July to 1 September 2026 as part of the Government's Great British Summer Savings Scheme. 

Experience one of Scotland’s most extraordinary wetland landscapes and book a visit today.

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