Caerlaverock blog
Join in on the Big Butterfly Count 2026
In just 15 minutes, you can help Butterfly Conservation by providing key survey information about butterflies in your area. During our regular butterfly surveys here at WWT Caerlaverock, our wardens have done just that. Have a read to find out what we found.
24 July 2026
Making the Most of a Wet Garden
From creating rain gardens and natural bogs to choosing moisture-loving plants, these practical tips can help you make the most of damp garden conditions while supporting nature.
22 July 2026
The Night Shift: Moth Trapping
A list of some the interesting moth species that we've recorded in our Moth Trap over the last few weeks, and introducing our new feature, Moth of the Month!
18 July 2026
My Dragonfly Transect: A Beginner's First Survey
What starts as a dragonfly survey becomes a lesson in seeing nature differently. Follow my first transect through the reserve as I discover dragonflies, unexpected wildlife, and why summer wetlands are anything but quiet. By Georgia Pope
9 July 2026
Dazzling dragonflies of WWT Caerlaverock: What to look for and where to find them
WWT Caerlaverock's wetlands come alive in the summertime, with dragonflies and damselflies bringing their shimmering wings and vibrant colours to ponds, ditches and wetland edges across the reserve.
4 July 2026
Welcome Back to WWT Caerlaverock
WWT Caerlaverock has reopened, welcoming members and visitors alike to enjoy our fantastic wetland site and habitats. After lots of hard work restructuring and reorganising, our doors are now open and we are so excited to have you visit us again. By David Pickett.
2 July 2026
WWT Caerlaverock is changing
Helping our wetlands thrive in the future.
16 December 2025
Returning - Shifting seasons on the Solway’s edge
Returning is an exhibition of work by two artists resident in Dumfries & Galloway who each draw inspiration from the landscape and local natural environment, including the migratory birds who return every winter. Louisa Ruthven and Rosie Dobson, frien
30 October 2025
Why are wetlands so important?
Through the Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock project we have created and restored a large area of ground on the reserve back to wetland habitat. It’s something we talk a lot about to show the benefits of the work we are doing, but why are wetlands so importa
9 October 2025
It's berry colourful on the reserve!
Autumn is setting the scene on the reserve, with the air getting crisper and the leaves starting to fall off the trees. Berries along the hedgerows provide colour along the loanings, whilst also being a source of nourishment for wildlife. Blackberries ar
26 September 2025
A changing of seasons
With the inevitable end of summer brings along the start of autumn, which also means a change in the site. The invertebrate numbers drop, the summer migrants head to their brighter winter grounds, and our winter migrants make their welcomed return back on
12 September 2025
The Goose is Loose - a fond farewell from Annabelle
It’s almost time to say goodbye to life as a placement student here at WWT Caerlaverock. As my last day rapidly approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how it all began…My mind goes back to a cold and drizzly morning in November 2022. I had just left my
3 September 2025
A year flies by...
My year-long Practical Reserve Management Placement has really given me an idea of what it’s like to work with nature. The best part of my job I hear you ask? Every day is different. I love the seasonality of this work, from the talks about the noisy th
28 August 2025
What was that whizz of electric blue?!
On a sunny summer’s day, I’m walking some of the fields where we have created new ponds through the Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock project. I’m generally just checking how the water levels are looking within the ponds and what the grazing levels are lo
19 August 2025
So long, Marianne
The sun is hot on my face and bees buzz in the red clover. Somewhere nearby a sedge warbler is making a big fuss about something. And me? I am sitting on a bench in the wildflower meadow thinking I didn’t know my last swan talk was the last one.This mak
9 August 2025