Official opening of the Sir Peter Scott Centenary Walk
At WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre on 10 February the new Sir Peter Scott Centenary Walkway was officially opened by Peter Scott's son, Falcon Scott.
The walkway has been built to celebrate the centenary of Sir Peter Scott’s birth and gives unprecedented views into a previously unseen part of the reserve.
Peter Scott founded the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in 1946 and has been described by Sir David Attenborough as the "patron saint of nature conservation."
Long before it became widely acknowledged, Sir Peter Scott recognised the threat human activity posed to the environment and foresaw that conservation of wildlife depends on safeguarding habitats and, crucially, on involving and inspiring people.
The wetland centres he set up, such as WWT Caerlaverock, provide more than just a sanctuary; they allow people to get up close to, enjoy and learn about wildlife. He remained at the forefront of conservation throughout his life. Knighted for his services to conservation in 1973, his legacy continues to break new ground.
This new circular walkway at Caerlaverock will provide year-round wildlife watching experiences for visitors. A bridge spans the new dragonfly pond and the path meanders through a willow and alder carr before coming to a new hide looking out to the north.
A large feeding station for small birds is already proving a huge hit with nuthatches, siskins and bramblings joining the more common tits and finches.
The grand opening event was attended by over 80 friends and supporters of WWT and Chief Executive, Martin Spray invited Falcon Scott to declare the walk officially open. He did so with a few words fondly remembering his frequent visits to this area with his father who always said that Caerlaverock was one of his favourite places.
