Walk & Talk: Caerlaverock Estate and the Link Caerlaverock Biodiversity Project
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- A great example of how nature can be supported, alongside a productive farming enterprise.
- Showcases landscape-scale approach to nature restoration - a benefit of ownership at scale and partnership working.
Caerlaverock Estate runs to around 2,400ha including the Home Farm of c.400ha.
Link Caerlaverock, funded by the Nature Recovery Fund, involves the creation of ponds, wildlife corridors and meadows, across the estate’s coastal location, to maximise the protection and restoration of Caerlaverock’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Around 10ha of new habitat will be created.
The project links existing and future biodiversity work done by neighbouring partners, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve. The result will be a large-scale area for biodiversity on the Solway Coast, focused on enhancing and connecting habitats and promoting long-term resilience of the resident species, in the face of rising sea levels.
The Caerlaverock area overall is home to 10% of the UK’s breeding population of natterjack toads and, in the winter months, thousands of barnacle geese. The wildlife corridors will not only benefit songbirds, mammals, and insects, but will also provide a valuable carbon capture tool. Similarly, the rich species plant and grassland of the meadows will naturally capture carbon through the plant life they support.
The estate is in the process of registering for Level 2 Wildlife Estates Scotland accreditation. Caroline Pringle, WES Project Manager, will be joining us and will be happy to talk about WES membership.
We will be led by Anna Austin (Caerlaverock Estate Manager), members of the estate’s Conservation Team, David Pickett (WWT) and Suzanne McIntyre (Nature Scot).
The plan is to share cars and do a short tour of the estate, finishing up at a viewpoint over the Solway.
JOINING INFORMATION
Arrival: 09.30 for tea/coffee for 10.00 start. Finish by 13.00.
Venue: meet at the Estate Office at Bowhouse Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfries, DG1 4RU.
Directions: If coming from Dumfries/Glencaple, this is the farmhouse on your left around 200 metres before the road into Caerlaverock Castle. If coming from Annan/Bankend direction, this is the farmhouse on your right, around 200 metres after the entrance to the Castle.
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Clothing: weather dependent – we will be outside for some of the time so dress appropriately.
Lunch: not provided but, if you let George Moore know, he can book tables at the estate-owned Boathouse restaurant at Glencaple for 13.30.
Lead Officer: George Moore, Regional Manager - South West (Dumfries & Galloway) george.moore@scottishlandandestates.co.uk tel. 07436 582457.