Caerlaverock news
Team Warden takes the lead (Bird Race 2025)
Bird Race update 1
7 January 2025
Caerlaverock Bird Race 2025
Three teams. A month of bird watching. A race to spot the most species.
1 January 2025
Duck stamps
What does an art competition have to do with wetland conservation?
17 December 2024
From keyboard clacker to chainsaw wielder: The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Diaries no.7
The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock project involves lot of working at my desk. When I am out on site, usually I’m prepping further project work: clipboard in hand, monitoring habitat changes and managing contractors. It’s rewarding working on largescale
11 December 2024
Water rail, barn owl and a surprise magpie
Recent sightings from WWT Caerlaverock September 30th to October 4th
5 December 2024
5 reasons to visit this winter
Behold beautiful vistas. Be entranced by extraordinary habitats. Witness spectacular species. What will you discover today?
28 November 2024
It's fungus season
Autumn is prime time to see the weird and wonderful fruiting bodies of fungi. The moisture in the air and cool temperatures create the ideal conditions for their spores to germinate. Although the fruiting bodies can be large and eye catching, the majority
28 November 2024
Old oak
To mark National Tree Week, it is time to celebrate a veteran oak we have on the northern part of the reserve.
27 November 2024
Cetaceans on the solway
Walking around Caerlaverock, it is no surprise that saltmarshes support a huge range of life. This vibrant habitat bursts with a wide variety of animals outside the reaches of reserve borders. Beyond the merse and mudflats, beneath the waves you'll find a
20 November 2024
Caerlaverock swan update
Our swans have returned. We are not yet at full numbers but have some ringed individuals back. See the list below: ZJH - Aspen - paired with YVH, 3 cygnets ZJZ - Snoopy - paired with an unringed bird, 4 cygnets ZLA - Beatrice ZLP -
16 November 2024
Water rail, short-eared owl and peregrine falcon
Over the past week, its been raptor heaven. The Saltcot Merse Observatory has been a good viewing area with male and female hen harriers regularly seen last week, a female merlin, and peregrines all being seen around high tide. Hen harriers and buzzards h
14 November 2024
High altitude adaptations
Many of our migrant birds have been pouring onto our reserve the past few weeks. Seeing this migration spectacle everyday has me pondering birds ability to fly such long distances under harsh conditions. Whooper swans are some of the first to spring to m
10 November 2024
It's a micro treasure hunt
It’s autumn which means the wintering birds have begun to flock to the reserve. Watching the drama of the geese, swans and ducks on the surface of made me curious about the life underneath. So I collected a few jars of water from the ponds in the
6 November 2024
Twelve hectares brimming with variety: The Wilder, Wetter Caerlaverock Diaries no.6
Also known as Jake's love affair with a field. Strap in, folks. It's a long one.
31 October 2024
Quiet contemplation
I feel grateful that my job allows me to be immersed in nature every day. Outdoors, breathing fresh air, feeling the wind on my face and observing the beauty of wildlife. Every day is different and the variety is what keeps my brain going. At the start
29 October 2024