News
Wild Goose Weekend begins
Please be aware, the B725 is closed at Brow Well bridge. If you are visiting from the Carlisle/Annan direction you have to come via Dumfries. The bridge has suffered severe damage due to recent flooding and may be closed for a significant amount of time.T
12 October 2019
Little Egret around
Good numbers of Little Egret have been spotted around the Reserve this week, with a max count of 19. There are currently five next to the seasonal pool in the Saltcot Field. The Great Egret is still making an appearance at times. Mostly seen on the Wes
10 October 2019
Long-tailed Tit Flocks
Lovely flocks of Long-tailed Tits are evident around the reserve at the moment, both down the Avenue and Loaning. Listen out for their distinctive call as a means to locate them. Whooper swan numbers are fluctuating quite a bit with one on the pond firs
9 October 2019
Blackcaps are loving the elderberries
Please be aware, the B725 is closed at Brow Well bridge. If you are visiting from the Carlisle/Annan direction you have to come via Dumfries. The bridge has suffered severe damage due to recent flooding and may be closed for a significant amount of time.I
6 October 2019
Barnacles everywhere
Please be aware, the B725 is closed at Brow Well bridge. If you are visiting from the Carlisle/Annan direction you have to come via Dumfries. The bridge has suffered severe damage due to recent flooding and may be closed for a significant amount of time.T
5 October 2019
Wild Geese Return!
The wild geese are returning to the Solway for the winter
3 October 2019
Bernard the Whooper has arrived!
Please be aware, the B725 is closed at Brow Well bridge. If you are visiting from the Carlisle/Annan direction you have to come via Dumfries. The bridge has suffered severe damage due to recent flooding and may be closed for a significant amount of time.T
2 October 2019
Everybody is enjoying the sunshine!
This morning's sunshine has put everyone in a good mood after a week of rain! Highlights from today have included several Kingfisher sightings from the Back Pond hide and an extremely noisy morning as a Merlin, Marsh Harrier and two Peregrines flew over t
30 September 2019
Shoveler numbers increase!
It has been lovely to see that our duck numbers starting to increase! 65 Shoveler were spotted on the Folly Pond this morning and 10 Tufted Duck have been busy on the Whooper pond. Our male Shovelers are looking more striking every day as they develop the
29 September 2019
Male ducks coming out of eclipse
Our male ducks are starting to regain their colour. A good few of the Mallard are already sporting their post-eclipse finery and in the last couple of days we have noticed the Teal, Shoveler and Pintail are all following suit. Head to the Folly Pond and t
27 September 2019
Wigeon on the Increase
Wigeon numbers are on the increase with 137 counted on the Folly Pond this morning and more down at the Flood Ground. Teal numbers are also creeping up with over 400 on the Folly Pond, another 400 in the Corner Field and yet more down at Flood Ground. A
26 September 2019
Barnies are Back!
The Barnacle Geese are now starting to make an appearance on the Reserve, with over 1,000 birds counted from the Tower this morning. They are predominantly utilising the mudflats and pioneer merse so are best seen from the Saltcot Merse Observatory. Mix
25 September 2019
Sunshine on Geese
Huge numbers of geese in the sunshine around the local area today. Canada, Greylag and Pink-footed Geese can be seen feeding in the fields and flying around the reserve.6 Barnacle Geese were in front of the Saltcot Merse Observatory yesterday, no sign of
21 September 2019
Whoopers, Barnacles and Pink-feet
It's starting to feel a lot like winter, despite the bright sunshine and 20 degree heat!12 Whooper Swans arrived yesterday, but only one is still here on the Whooper Pond. The first small flock of Barnacle Geese have arrived with 6 in front of the Saltcot
20 September 2019
Goldfinches and Pintail
The Goldfinches and Chaffinches are absolutely loving the Meadowsweet seeds around the Reserve, particularly in the Wildlife Garden. We have seven Pintail that have turned up on our Folly Pond and are currently taking a nap mixed in with the large number
13 September 2019