See the wild world at its best on a day trip to WWT Caerlaverock
Discover the wonders of the wild world at their very best on a day trip from WWT Washington to WWT Caerlaverock.
With recent appearances on the BBC’s Countryfile and The One Show highlighting its stunning natural beauty, WWT's Dumfries-based site is a spectacular 1,400-acre wild reserve situated on the north Solway coast in Scotland.
Its open, coastal landscape are full of the sights and sounds of nature, including vast flocks of barnacle geese that return each October from the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to stay until April on the Solway’s saltflats and merses. Since the 1940’s, this population has recovered from fewer than 500 birds to more than 25,000.
Brian Morrell, the centre’s learning manager, said: “Visitors on the day trip should see thousands of Svalbard barnacle geese grazing the fields and merses of WWT Caerlaverock, as well as up to 300 Icelandic whooper swans, which fly into our daily swan feeds at 11am and 2pm.
“Hundreds of mallard, wigeon, teal, shoveler, pintail and tufted duck are also to be seen on the ponds and flashes of the Folly Pond and Flood Ground; while raptors such as peregrine falcons, merlins and hen harriers hunt over the merses, chasing the huge flocks of waders that move about with the tide.”
Leanne McCormella, WWT Washington’s marketing manager, added: “We run this day trip to WWT Caerlaverock every February and it’s a date in the calendar which we all look forward to.
“The centre really is a spectacular place to visit and the brilliant footage of the barnacle geese that has been shown on television recently is still only half as good as seeing the huge flocks of these fantastic birds in real life. I’d highly recommend a visit to all wildlife fans – from expert birders to those just starting to become interested in the natural world.”
The day trip is open to all and the coach leaves WWT Washington's car park at 9am on Saturday 19 February, returning at 5pm. Please dress suitably for the weather and a change of shoes will be needed for the coach. Cost is £16 for adults and £8 for children. Admission to WWT Caerlaverock is not included (but WWT members get in free). Booking is essential, please contact 0191 416 5454 or email info.washington@wwt.org.uk for details.
