Caerlaverock news
More than just birds: The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Diaries no. 9
Through the Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Project, we have been creating various water bodies like ponds, scrapes and channels. These water features are a variety of ages which means they have different vegetation structures. During this winter, the new wet
3 March 2025
A very good 10 minutes
I often get into work a bit early. (If my manager is reading this is so that I can plan my day for maximum efficiency and value for money.) But there is another secret reason. It means I can have a quality 10 minutes with nature. All on my own.WWT Caerlav
1 March 2025
Hey Google! How do I become a jack-of-all-trades?
A job on a nature reserve is varied work. No day looks the same. You may find yourself jumping from science to building work to counting birds to telling people about it, all in one afternoon. The career aspiration is to become a jack of all trades and a
27 February 2025
Hints of Spring
At first glance, this time of year may seem a bit dreary and quiet. Hedgehogs, frogs and toads are still deep in their hibernation burrows and the trees bare of leaves. But if you look and listen closely, nature has begun to drop hints that spring is just
26 February 2025
Otter, pochard and shelduck
Recent sightings
23 February 2025
Teamwork makes the dream work
Sometimes a job just needs 25+ reserve team members. Last week we welcomed WWT Washington staff and volunteers for two days of hard graft – and a lot of fun as well. We completed work that would have taken our 5 reserve staff and volunteer team week
20 February 2025
The crisp of February
As I step onto the reserve, a crisp chill fills the air, and the landscape is painted with the muted tones of winter. In the distance, the silhouette of Criffel stands prominently, its peak covered by a delicate mist.The ground beneath my boots is firm an
16 February 2025
Whooper swan families
The majority of the whooper swans that come to WWT Caerlaverock to spend their winters are from the Icelandic population. These whoopers nest in well vegetated low-lying marshland amongst agricultural fields, with some nests being further upland in the gl
9 February 2025
Bird Race 2025 list
The final Bird Race update for 2025.
2 February 2025
From woodland species to estuary specialists (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 4
30 January 2025
Badger-proof bird feeding
The reserve team had a predicament. Next to the visitor car park, there is a bird feeding station which was in the form of a metal pole wedged into the grass. Our bird feeders hung from the metal station, and the team filled them up every morning, which a
27 January 2025
Team Placement brushes up on their bird ID (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 3
24 January 2025
Species spotlight: tufted duck
The Whooper Pond is a dynamic place on our reserve, acting as the hustling, bustling capital city of WWT Caerlaverock’s winter. Whooper swans honking their horns at each other on their way to lunch, ducks weaving through the busy traffic to pick up any
16 January 2025
A jay: Team Office sneak into the lead (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race Update 2
14 January 2025
What improvements have we seen so far: The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Diaries no. 8
The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Project is over halfway through now (somehow!). A lot of the completed habitat restoration and creation work has settled down, vegetated over and most importantly has become home to lots of fantastic wildlife! Let’s take
8 January 2025