WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Caerlaverock Wetlands Centre is a 1,500 acre wild nature reserve with observatories, towers and hides overlooking the home of thousands of wintering wildfowl. A rugged and beautiful destination offering open space and tranquil wildlife watching. The wild wetland reserve at WWT Caerlaverock is an important home to ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. Visitors can wander around the reserve, popping into one of the many hides to watch a variety of birds and other wildlife such as hares and deer. The wildlife garden has been specially planted with colourful, wildlife-friendly flowers, to attract insects such as bees, butterflies and moths. Take a stroll through the Paddock with its wildlife ponds, have a look out over the Folly Pond from the Scottish Water Hide, then wander on towards the Sir Peter Scott Observatory where you can take the lift to the top. Climb the Farmhouse Tower and use the giant binoculars to look out over the Solway Firth and towards Criffel. Walk around the Sir Peter Scott Trail with its wet woodland and reedbeds. Then head back to the visitor centre for a browse around the gift shop and some refreshments in the Cathan Coffee Shop with its current art exhibition.

Guide in the Hide volunteers will be out on the reserve. There will be an exhibition of artwork by Catherine Coulson in the Cathan Coffee Shop.

Photographs - Alex Hillier