Yesterday brought big tides coupled with unseasonally strong winds which meant the afternoon tide flooded the majority of the saltmarsh. This is becoming more regular in winter but for late summer it is quite unusual.Sadly this may have been a disaster fo
22 August 2020
Snipe numbers are really building on the Folly Pond at the moment, with over 20 of them this morning. Lapwing, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit are also regularly feeding on the muddy fringes.Teal numbers continue to grow, and we have seen Marsh Harrier, Gr
19 August 2020
The good weather recently has seen a surge in the number of "creepy crawlies" making an appearance around the reserve. The above photo shows the caterpillar of the Elephant hawkmoth and is just one of the many moth caterpillars we come across. We have a
15 August 2020
While the weather the past few days has screamed summer, our bird life is definitely more on the Autumnal side! Three Greenshank have been spotted feeding along the edges of the Folly Pond this morning. They are joined there by 81 Curlew, 4 Snipe, Teal,
14 August 2020
Explore the shimmering wetlands and make this summer a ‘staycation’ to remember, filled with memories of outdoor fun.
6 August 2020
After saying about returning raptors yesterday we have seen our first Marsh harrier of the autumn hunting out on the Merse this morning. It was being mobbed by a cloud of Skylarks and Meadow pipit which really highlighted just how many of these two speci
6 August 2020
As we move into late summer, we are now starting to observe more raptors around the reserve. Kestrels can regularly be seen down at Saltcot Merse Observatory and visitors are also reporting the presence of a Peregrine out on the far merses. Be sure to s
5 August 2020
The heavy downpours have left the grasslands rather soggy, so best to wear boots or wellies for a little while just until the puddles can drain away. The wet grassland isn't a bad thing for wildlife as it brings new feeding opportunities for many species.
29 July 2020
Flocks of Linnet are building up on the Merses with a large grouping of over 50 birds observed one time. They also like to perch up around the Saltcot Merse Observatory and can often be found on the Willow tree in the sheep paddock to the left of the Obs
25 July 2020
The heavy rainfall in the past couple of days has really raised the water levels on all the ponds. This has meant the muddy edges surrounding the island on the Folly Pond that the Little ringed plover were using has vanished and it would appear that so h
24 July 2020
The foul weather yesterday and this morning has some benefits...9 juvenile Little Ringed Plover took shelter on the Folly Pond yesterday afternoon and at least 4 have stayed to this morning. Only views are from Sharp's Lookout (we are working to get
23 July 2020
The past week has seen a return of some of our waders to site. Curlew numbers are building up with 25 birds seen in the Lochar field today from the Pasture Pathway. They have also been observed flying across the River Walk. Common Sandpiper are often t
18 July 2020
Brown hares have been very active around the reserve recently. One was seen this morning on the newly opened pasture pathway. This is a new route going through the fields that links the Avenue Tower to the Saltcot Loaning. It is also a good place to sp
15 July 2020
We are pleased to announce that Caerlaverock Wetland Centre will re-open on Wednesday 15 July
8 May 2020
As we are closed to all visitors, we won't be putting out our usual sightings updates but we will try to keep you up to date with general goings on here at the reserve. Our main focus is keeping the site in good order with minimal staff, looking after our
1 April 2020