Caerlaverock blog
World Honey Bee Day
To honour World Honey Bee Day, our Admin Officer Dawn has provided us with lots of information about honey bees from her experience as a beekeeper.
16 August 2026
INNS ALERT: Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive non-native species (INNS), growing at a very rapid pace and damaging our native ecosystems. Find out more about this and WWT Caerlaverock's work to prevent it here.
13 August 2026
A Fox Encounter
We took a gentle walk around the site one morning and were presented with an incredible sight: a fox on the hunt. Read my article below about my experience watching this fantastic predator in the wild at WWT Caerlaverock.
10 August 2026
Rare Sightings: Red-Veined Darter & Black Tailed Skimmer
Two wonderful rare breeds of dragonfly have graced our flourishing site here at WWT Caerlaverock.
3 August 2026
A Saltmarsh Extravaganza
Sun, sea, and saltmarsh. I took the long walk down to the marsh's edge with a group of experts and enthusiasts to see and record the species that are strong and resilient enough to survive the harsh saline conditions of our own Eastpark Merse on the Solway Firth. Have a read about what I learned here.
31 July 2026
Just Adding Water
The land and waters at WWT Caerlaverock are constantly changing. We have been doing lots of work on our wetlands to improve the habitats for plant and wildlife, and we are already seeing lots of new species come here to enjoy the new waterbodies and fields. Have a read to learn more about what we've been working on.
29 July 2026
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