Caerlaverock news
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
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 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?
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
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
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
5 reasons to visit this autumn
Behold beautiful vistas. Be entranced by extraordinary habitats. Witness spectacular species. What will you discover today?
1 October 2024
Summer to autumn
As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, I start to notice a change in Caerlaverock. The summer trail has now shut its gates for the winter and the Whooper Pond is almost ready to receive its annual swan migrants. The swallows and house martins have ga
29 September 2024
Rainy summer reminiscing
As the autumn winds begin to blow our way carrying northern wildfowl to our shores, I have been reminiscing about the breeding season that has just past us here at Caerlaverock. The 2024 spring and summer was not an easy time for our birds on the reserve
26 September 2024