Christmas Opening Hours

We will be closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th of December. We will then be open as usual from 10am - 5pm.

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Latest sightings

5 reasons to visit this winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Glengoyne Hide installation reveal

Glengoyne Hide installation reveal

At Caerlaverock, we have been working with local artist, Kirsty Harris, to bring the Glengoyne Hide to life.

28 October 2024

Wild Goose Festival Highlights

Wild Goose Festival Highlights

Wild Goose Festival has come to an end and what a festival it was! Check out our highlights. 1. cycling 20 miles to Caerlaverock talking about geese and enjoying the sun photo credit Annabelle Gurney 2. celebrating the reveal of our new art

27 October 2024

Better than TV?

Better than TV?

Living on site definitely has its perks especially when the northern lights occur. Being that little bit more out of the way here at Caerlaverock (some would say in the middle of nowhere!) the light pollution is minimal so a clear night sky can be the bri

25 October 2024

Avian Influenza Update

Avian Influenza Update

The Wild Goose Festival is back for yet another year celebrating the geese that spend their winters in Dumfries and Galloway and our connection to them. This year, the WWT Caerlaverock team is particularly excited to be dedicating this week to these fanta

13 October 2024

Autumn sounds like geese

Autumn sounds like geese

The first week of October. No doubting it is definitely autumn now. Nights are drawing in, mornings are chill and misty. Nearly time to crack out the thermals (I said nearly!). Here at WWT Caerlaverock, autumn looks like trees losing their leaves. It look

4 October 2024