5 reasons to visit this autumn

Behold beautiful vistas. Be entranced by extraordinary habitats. Witness spectacular species. What will you discover today?

With so many fab things you could get up to at Caerlaverock this autumn, we picked out some of our favourites for you.

1. Find the barnacle geese

Flocking top the Solway Firth in their thousands, the Svalbard barnacle geese love to spend their winter season eating the grass at WWT Caerlaverock. With sometimes upwards of 5000 on site, where will you find them?

Barnacle geese flock flying by Alex Hillier

2. Watch the Whooper Pond transform

Over the autumn, more and more swans, ducks and other water birds spend time on the Whooper Pond. From mid October, Swan Feeds start up again so make sure you're at the Peter Scott Observatory from 1pm to not miss out.

Whoopers swans swarming together on the pond

3. Wait for the water rail

Water rails are elusive creatures but they emerge regularly at WWT Caerlaverock, often under the feeders at the bird feeding station! If you can be patient, one might just come out for you.

Water rail standing in a pool credit Alex Hillier

4. Come to a Wild Goose Festival event

This October, we have a host of awe-inspiring events in store for you as part of Dumfries and Galloway's Wild Goose Festival, held between the 18th and 27th of October. If you are more interested in family fun, we've got that too! Check out the whole program here.

Barnacle goose looking quizzical by Alex Hillier

5. Explore with your senses

Find a bench and take a breath. What can you hear? Spot a feather and feel the softness. Touch the rough bark of an ancient tree along the Avenue. Enhance your experience by using all your senses.

Someone relaxing on a bench credit Andrew Perry

Words by Marianne Nicholson

Feature image by Andrew Perry

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