Wwt Caerlaverock

Winter wonderland!

The swans were breaking through the ice to get to their food this morning!

Our next exhibition at in the Cathan Coffee Shop is 'Birds of Sea, Loch and Shore' by Dumfries and Galloway printmaker, Lisa Hooper. IThe exhibition runs 27th January - 9th March 2019. This print is inspired by the swan feed at WWT Caerlaverock!

As part of our Wader Weekend, on Sunday 3rd February, 11.30am, local author Stephen Rutt will give a talk, “All wormy mud must have its wader”: Nature Writing and the Curlew Crisis. Stephen will read his essay on curlews, estuaries and wildness and talk about the ways nature writing and creativity can respond to and raise awareness of declining species. For more information on the Wader Weekend, please see the websitehttps://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-cen tres/caerlaverock/whats-on/2019/02/02/wa der-weekend/ Photo credit: Peter Rutt.

As part of our Wader Weekend, 2-3rd February, we are pleased to welcome Geoff Hilton, WWT Head of Conservation Science, to talk about Curlews. We are lucky to have this iconic but declining species, in good numbers on the reserve at WWT Caerlaverock. For more information on the Wader Weekend, please see the website https://www.wwt.org.uk/…/caerlaverock/w hats-on/2019/02/02/…/

At sunset, see thousands of barnacle geese flighting out to the Solway mudflats to their night-time roost. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. Booking is essential. Please ring the centre on 01387 770200 to book a place.

Watch the amazing spectacle of thousands of wild barnacle geese flighting in from the mudflats against the dawn sky. The Cathan Coffee Shop will be open early to provide hot drinks and bacon rolls. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. Booking is essential.

Spotted redshank on the Folly Pond this morning!

We are excited that Rebecca Lee, WWT Principal Species Conservation Officer, is coming to give two talks as part of our Wader Weekend, 2-3rd February. She will speak about the WWT Spoon billed sandpiper project and the Black tailed godwit project. For more information, please see the website https://www.wwt.org.uk/…/caerlaverock/w hats-on/2019/02/02/…/

Spot the otter!

Come and hear a story all about badgers, told by one of our engaging storytellers! We will then go out to look for signs of the badgers on our reserve, before heading to the Peter Scott Observatory to see the whooper swans, mute swans and ducks being fed by the warden. This storytelling event is on Friday 11th January, 10-11am. Family event, suitable for children aged 4 and under.

Take this fantastic opportunity to learn how to take photographs of the whooper swans and barnacle geese at WWT Caerlaverock with two experienced photography tutors, Tom Langlands and Bob Fitzsimmons. The next Wildlife Photography Workshop takes place on Saturday 26th January. For more information contact the centre on 01387 770200.

At sunset, see thousands of barnacle geese flighting out to the Solway mudflats to their night-time roost. Bring warm, waterproof clothing, binoculars and a torch. Booking is essential. Normal admission charges apply, WWT members free.

This weekend of wader-focussed events will include talks, walks, workshops and lots of opportunities to see waders close up from a hide or in their thousands, wheeling on the high tide. For more information, please see the website:https://www.wwt.org.uk/…/caerla verock/whats-on/2019/02/02/…/

Our current exhibition in the Cathan Coffee Shop at WWT Caerlaverock, is 'Orkney' by fantastic local illustrator Lucy Hadley.

Christmas Eve at Caerlaverock!

Sit in our cosy yurt and listen to a nature-related story told by one of our excellent storytellers. Then go on a short walk to explore the reserve. Suitable for children aged 4 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Normal admission charges apply, WWT members free.

Try before you buy the latest binoculars and telescopes from the huge range available today. In Focus experts are on hand all day to give advice. WWT Caerlaverock benefits from every sale.

What a fantastic facility - to get so close to the birds and a coffee shop - it doesn't get much better. Thanks so much x

We spent a whole day at Caerlaverock and were disappointed when we had to leave! There were so many highlights, the Whoopers, the Barnacle Geese, the hundreds of Teal, many Shovelors, Marsh Harrier, feeding time at The Whooper Pond etc. This is a true reserve with fantastic opportunities to see wild birds in their natural environment, fantastic and we will be back! �

We moved up from Rugby to Cumbria and went to WWT Caerlaverock. After our first visit we joined the WWT and have been back quite few times , including spending my birthday at the Farmhouse for the night. We found the facilities and Staff Brilliant. The badgers appeared 4 times that night, which was great experience. Every visit has provided something new . We spend a lot of our time down the Bowness on Solway , watching and photographing wildlife and birds. At the WWT Caerlaverock we have photographed birds that we not been able to see on the other side of the estuary. We enjoy our visits to the WWT so much that we have booked another night at the Farmhouse and will continue to do so. Thank you for such a well laid out and enjoyable Reserve . See you soon .

We had a great night watching the badgers on the Stars and Stripes night. I saw 4 badgers, and they were bats fly over, a brown hare and we even saw a couple of rats swimming. On the way home to Carlisle, we saw another badger crossing the road. When we got home, I put the badger webcam on and saw another badger. 5/4/17



I tried watching the badger webcam tonight but it was still watching the swans and geese. Very disappointed 6/4/17

Popped in yesterday for a few hours in the sunshine,very relaxing and so much to see, particularly enjoyed seeing the Golden plover and little egrets.

My lunch at the café was excellent, the coffee spot on,keep up the good work!!

My favourite reserve in the whole of the UK - in fact just completed the first draft of a short story for my writing group in Lockerbie about wwt Caerlaverock.

Sadly I never saw the great white egret, and a lone whooper swan appeared the day after my visit on the 9th. Come the end of the month I will be making regular visits to see the winter visitors: barnacle geese, whoopers, wigeon, teal, tufted ducks, and so many more. And hopefully little egrets and that elusive great white egret!

Lovely setting, my 6 year old son was very pleased with the Lego sculpture hunt. Lots of nice walks, I was mostly impressed with the swans nest. Shame the weather wasn't a bit better, but it made a nice afternoon out, we would visit again.

If you like birds, reptiles, mammals, fresh air, walking, lovely people, great views, a good wee cafe, or a nice shop then take yourself down to Caerlaverock.

I took my lego mad boys (7yrs and 6yrs) to see the LEGO animals at Caerlavorock WWT. We were very impressed with LEGO sculptures which were set out along a trail which also introduced you to the scope of what this wetland centre has to offer. Staff were very friendly and very enthusiastic about the centre itself. Lots of family events are planned over this coming summer so we will be back to visit! Food and Coffee in cafe was very good quality.

I took my kids along to check out the LEGO animals and we discovered a wildlife centre! The sun was shining and it was dry under foot to explore the walkways. The kids didn't have the patience to sit in the watchtowers but we learned about waterfowl, longhorn cattle and water creatures while out walking about following the LEGO trail. The staff and volunteers were amazingly helpful and friendly. We took a picnic lunch and I treated myself to a coffee from the cafe, which was very good. The cost for the day out was at the upper scale of what I would normally budget, but was worth every penny as we had a great time. We will be back!

I enjoyed the info given to us by one of the wardens about the swans. It was very wet and muddy, would like to go back when it is warmer and drier. Also watched the feeding of the swans later in the day.

Cafe was very good, clean and warm

I can't believe I have lived here for three years and never been to this haven of beauty - clean so accessible and what a vast array of wildlife to Snap - so impressed joined can't wait to re-visit and explore some more - took some amazing photos and had a lovely latte in the immaculate cafe area - great afternoon spent

First visit yesterday and I loved it. Only negative is that there's not a circular route to walk. Would also have liked more areas to investigate but it's a beautiful place and great for wildlife, spotted my first ever hare on my visit.

First visit back after 29 years when I first visited as a student. Wow, what a place. Amazing birding, amazing book shop and great day out!

Brilliant day out, but we didn't see all of it. Oh well, we will come back again later in the year when the birds have migrated back 😁

Awesome shaped castle.

After years of not getting around to it, myself and a friend booked a twin room in the Farmhouse. The result was a terrific weekend of birding from the various hides, as well as the observatory and tower that are part of the farmhouse building. Morning coffee in the tower as the barn owl goes to bed and the geese start their day was a particular highlight. Go, experience the wonderful wildness of this centre where all the birds are free to come and go - you’ll see why the barnacles and whoopers return each winter and I’m tempted to do the same!

Absolutely love this place had a wonderful day the weather was amazing and the food in the cafe just tops it off will definitely be back soon

A great place to see wild geese and ducks, good selection of wildlife books and gifts etc Knowledgeable and help-full staff - just what you want for a wildlife experience

What a fantastic facility - to get so close to the birds and a coffee shop - it doesn't get much better. Thanks so much x

We spent a whole day at Caerlaverock and were disappointed when we had to leave! There were so many highlights, the Whoopers, the Barnacle Geese, the hundreds of Teal, many Shovelors, Marsh Harrier, feeding time at The Whooper Pond etc. This is a true reserve with fantastic opportunities to see wild birds in their natural environment, fantastic and we will be back! �

We moved up from Rugby to Cumbria and went to WWT Caerlaverock. After our first visit we joined the WWT and have been back quite few times , including spending my birthday at the Farmhouse for the night. We found the facilities and Staff Brilliant. The badgers appeared 4 times that night, which was great experience. Every visit has provided something new . We spend a lot of our time down the Bowness on Solway , watching and photographing wildlife and birds. At the WWT Caerlaverock we have photographed birds that we not been able to see on the other side of the estuary. We enjoy our visits to the WWT so much that we have booked another night at the Farmhouse and will continue to do so. Thank you for such a well laid out and enjoyable Reserve . See you soon .

We had a great night watching the badgers on the Stars and Stripes night. I saw 4 badgers, and they were bats fly over, a brown hare and we even saw a couple of rats swimming. On the way home to Carlisle, we saw another badger crossing the road. When we got home, I put the badger webcam on and saw another badger. 5/4/17



I tried watching the badger webcam tonight but it was still watching the swans and geese. Very disappointed 6/4/17

Popped in yesterday for a few hours in the sunshine,very relaxing and so much to see, particularly enjoyed seeing the Golden plover and little egrets.

My lunch at the café was excellent, the coffee spot on,keep up the good work!!

My favourite reserve in the whole of the UK - in fact just completed the first draft of a short story for my writing group in Lockerbie about wwt Caerlaverock.

Sadly I never saw the great white egret, and a lone whooper swan appeared the day after my visit on the 9th. Come the end of the month I will be making regular visits to see the winter visitors: barnacle geese, whoopers, wigeon, teal, tufted ducks, and so many more. And hopefully little egrets and that elusive great white egret!

Lovely setting, my 6 year old son was very pleased with the Lego sculpture hunt. Lots of nice walks, I was mostly impressed with the swans nest. Shame the weather wasn't a bit better, but it made a nice afternoon out, we would visit again.

If you like birds, reptiles, mammals, fresh air, walking, lovely people, great views, a good wee cafe, or a nice shop then take yourself down to Caerlaverock.

I took my lego mad boys (7yrs and 6yrs) to see the LEGO animals at Caerlavorock WWT. We were very impressed with LEGO sculptures which were set out along a trail which also introduced you to the scope of what this wetland centre has to offer. Staff were very friendly and very enthusiastic about the centre itself. Lots of family events are planned over this coming summer so we will be back to visit! Food and Coffee in cafe was very good quality.

I took my kids along to check out the LEGO animals and we discovered a wildlife centre! The sun was shining and it was dry under foot to explore the walkways. The kids didn't have the patience to sit in the watchtowers but we learned about waterfowl, longhorn cattle and water creatures while out walking about following the LEGO trail. The staff and volunteers were amazingly helpful and friendly. We took a picnic lunch and I treated myself to a coffee from the cafe, which was very good. The cost for the day out was at the upper scale of what I would normally budget, but was worth every penny as we had a great time. We will be back!

I enjoyed the info given to us by one of the wardens about the swans. It was very wet and muddy, would like to go back when it is warmer and drier. Also watched the feeding of the swans later in the day.

Cafe was very good, clean and warm

I can't believe I have lived here for three years and never been to this haven of beauty - clean so accessible and what a vast array of wildlife to Snap - so impressed joined can't wait to re-visit and explore some more - took some amazing photos and had a lovely latte in the immaculate cafe area - great afternoon spent

First visit yesterday and I loved it. Only negative is that there's not a circular route to walk. Would also have liked more areas to investigate but it's a beautiful place and great for wildlife, spotted my first ever hare on my visit.

First visit back after 29 years when I first visited as a student. Wow, what a place. Amazing birding, amazing book shop and great day out!

Brilliant day out, but we didn't see all of it. Oh well, we will come back again later in the year when the birds have migrated back 😁

Awesome shaped castle.

After years of not getting around to it, myself and a friend booked a twin room in the Farmhouse. The result was a terrific weekend of birding from the various hides, as well as the observatory and tower that are part of the farmhouse building. Morning coffee in the tower as the barn owl goes to bed and the geese start their day was a particular highlight. Go, experience the wonderful wildness of this centre where all the birds are free to come and go - you’ll see why the barnacles and whoopers return each winter and I’m tempted to do the same!

Absolutely love this place had a wonderful day the weather was amazing and the food in the cafe just tops it off will definitely be back soon

A great place to see wild geese and ducks, good selection of wildlife books and gifts etc Knowledgeable and help-full staff - just what you want for a wildlife experience

What a fantastic facility - to get so close to the birds and a coffee shop - it doesn't get much better. Thanks so much x

We spent a whole day at Caerlaverock and were disappointed when we had to leave! There were so many highlights, the Whoopers, the Barnacle Geese, the hundreds of Teal, many Shovelors, Marsh Harrier, feeding time at The Whooper Pond etc. This is a true reserve with fantastic opportunities to see wild birds in their natural environment, fantastic and we will be back! �

We moved up from Rugby to Cumbria and went to WWT Caerlaverock. After our first visit we joined the WWT and have been back quite few times , including spending my birthday at the Farmhouse for the night. We found the facilities and Staff Brilliant. The badgers appeared 4 times that night, which was great experience. Every visit has provided something new . We spend a lot of our time down the Bowness on Solway , watching and photographing wildlife and birds. At the WWT Caerlaverock we have photographed birds that we not been able to see on the other side of the estuary. We enjoy our visits to the WWT so much that we have booked another night at the Farmhouse and will continue to do so. Thank you for such a well laid out and enjoyable Reserve . See you soon .

We had a great night watching the badgers on the Stars and Stripes night. I saw 4 badgers, and they were bats fly over, a brown hare and we even saw a couple of rats swimming. On the way home to Carlisle, we saw another badger crossing the road. When we got home, I put the badger webcam on and saw another badger. 5/4/17



I tried watching the badger webcam tonight but it was still watching the swans and geese. Very disappointed 6/4/17

Popped in yesterday for a few hours in the sunshine,very relaxing and so much to see, particularly enjoyed seeing the Golden plover and little egrets.

My lunch at the café was excellent, the coffee spot on,keep up the good work!!

My favourite reserve in the whole of the UK - in fact just completed the first draft of a short story for my writing group in Lockerbie about wwt Caerlaverock.

Sadly I never saw the great white egret, and a lone whooper swan appeared the day after my visit on the 9th. Come the end of the month I will be making regular visits to see the winter visitors: barnacle geese, whoopers, wigeon, teal, tufted ducks, and so many more. And hopefully little egrets and that elusive great white egret!

Lovely setting, my 6 year old son was very pleased with the Lego sculpture hunt. Lots of nice walks, I was mostly impressed with the swans nest. Shame the weather wasn't a bit better, but it made a nice afternoon out, we would visit again.

If you like birds, reptiles, mammals, fresh air, walking, lovely people, great views, a good wee cafe, or a nice shop then take yourself down to Caerlaverock.

I took my lego mad boys (7yrs and 6yrs) to see the LEGO animals at Caerlavorock WWT. We were very impressed with LEGO sculptures which were set out along a trail which also introduced you to the scope of what this wetland centre has to offer. Staff were very friendly and very enthusiastic about the centre itself. Lots of family events are planned over this coming summer so we will be back to visit! Food and Coffee in cafe was very good quality.

I took my kids along to check out the LEGO animals and we discovered a wildlife centre! The sun was shining and it was dry under foot to explore the walkways. The kids didn't have the patience to sit in the watchtowers but we learned about waterfowl, longhorn cattle and water creatures while out walking about following the LEGO trail. The staff and volunteers were amazingly helpful and friendly. We took a picnic lunch and I treated myself to a coffee from the cafe, which was very good. The cost for the day out was at the upper scale of what I would normally budget, but was worth every penny as we had a great time. We will be back!

I enjoyed the info given to us by one of the wardens about the swans. It was very wet and muddy, would like to go back when it is warmer and drier. Also watched the feeding of the swans later in the day.

Cafe was very good, clean and warm

I can't believe I have lived here for three years and never been to this haven of beauty - clean so accessible and what a vast array of wildlife to Snap - so impressed joined can't wait to re-visit and explore some more - took some amazing photos and had a lovely latte in the immaculate cafe area - great afternoon spent

First visit yesterday and I loved it. Only negative is that there's not a circular route to walk. Would also have liked more areas to investigate but it's a beautiful place and great for wildlife, spotted my first ever hare on my visit.

First visit back after 29 years when I first visited as a student. Wow, what a place. Amazing birding, amazing book shop and great day out!

Brilliant day out, but we didn't see all of it. Oh well, we will come back again later in the year when the birds have migrated back 😁

Awesome shaped castle.

After years of not getting around to it, myself and a friend booked a twin room in the Farmhouse. The result was a terrific weekend of birding from the various hides, as well as the observatory and tower that are part of the farmhouse building. Morning coffee in the tower as the barn owl goes to bed and the geese start their day was a particular highlight. Go, experience the wonderful wildness of this centre where all the birds are free to come and go - you’ll see why the barnacles and whoopers return each winter and I’m tempted to do the same!

Absolutely love this place had a wonderful day the weather was amazing and the food in the cafe just tops it off will definitely be back soon

A great place to see wild geese and ducks, good selection of wildlife books and gifts etc Knowledgeable and help-full staff - just what you want for a wildlife experience

What a fantastic facility - to get so close to the birds and a coffee shop - it doesn't get much better. Thanks so much x

We spent a whole day at Caerlaverock and were disappointed when we had to leave! There were so many highlights, the Whoopers, the Barnacle Geese, the hundreds of Teal, many Shovelors, Marsh Harrier, feeding time at The Whooper Pond etc. This is a true reserve with fantastic opportunities to see wild birds in their natural environment, fantastic and we will be back! �

We moved up from Rugby to Cumbria and went to WWT Caerlaverock. After our first visit we joined the WWT and have been back quite few times , including spending my birthday at the Farmhouse for the night. We found the facilities and Staff Brilliant. The badgers appeared 4 times that night, which was great experience. Every visit has provided something new . We spend a lot of our time down the Bowness on Solway , watching and photographing wildlife and birds. At the WWT Caerlaverock we have photographed birds that we not been able to see on the other side of the estuary. We enjoy our visits to the WWT so much that we have booked another night at the Farmhouse and will continue to do so. Thank you for such a well laid out and enjoyable Reserve . See you soon .

We had a great night watching the badgers on the Stars and Stripes night. I saw 4 badgers, and they were bats fly over, a brown hare and we even saw a couple of rats swimming. On the way home to Carlisle, we saw another badger crossing the road. When we got home, I put the badger webcam on and saw another badger. 5/4/17



I tried watching the badger webcam tonight but it was still watching the swans and geese. Very disappointed 6/4/17

Popped in yesterday for a few hours in the sunshine,very relaxing and so much to see, particularly enjoyed seeing the Golden plover and little egrets.

My lunch at the café was excellent, the coffee spot on,keep up the good work!!

My favourite reserve in the whole of the UK - in fact just completed the first draft of a short story for my writing group in Lockerbie about wwt Caerlaverock.

Sadly I never saw the great white egret, and a lone whooper swan appeared the day after my visit on the 9th. Come the end of the month I will be making regular visits to see the winter visitors: barnacle geese, whoopers, wigeon, teal, tufted ducks, and so many more. And hopefully little egrets and that elusive great white egret!

Lovely setting, my 6 year old son was very pleased with the Lego sculpture hunt. Lots of nice walks, I was mostly impressed with the swans nest. Shame the weather wasn't a bit better, but it made a nice afternoon out, we would visit again.

If you like birds, reptiles, mammals, fresh air, walking, lovely people, great views, a good wee cafe, or a nice shop then take yourself down to Caerlaverock.

I took my lego mad boys (7yrs and 6yrs) to see the LEGO animals at Caerlavorock WWT. We were very impressed with LEGO sculptures which were set out along a trail which also introduced you to the scope of what this wetland centre has to offer. Staff were very friendly and very enthusiastic about the centre itself. Lots of family events are planned over this coming summer so we will be back to visit! Food and Coffee in cafe was very good quality.

I took my kids along to check out the LEGO animals and we discovered a wildlife centre! The sun was shining and it was dry under foot to explore the walkways. The kids didn't have the patience to sit in the watchtowers but we learned about waterfowl, longhorn cattle and water creatures while out walking about following the LEGO trail. The staff and volunteers were amazingly helpful and friendly. We took a picnic lunch and I treated myself to a coffee from the cafe, which was very good. The cost for the day out was at the upper scale of what I would normally budget, but was worth every penny as we had a great time. We will be back!

I enjoyed the info given to us by one of the wardens about the swans. It was very wet and muddy, would like to go back when it is warmer and drier. Also watched the feeding of the swans later in the day.

Cafe was very good, clean and warm

I can't believe I have lived here for three years and never been to this haven of beauty - clean so accessible and what a vast array of wildlife to Snap - so impressed joined can't wait to re-visit and explore some more - took some amazing photos and had a lovely latte in the immaculate cafe area - great afternoon spent

First visit yesterday and I loved it. Only negative is that there's not a circular route to walk. Would also have liked more areas to investigate but it's a beautiful place and great for wildlife, spotted my first ever hare on my visit.

First visit back after 29 years when I first visited as a student. Wow, what a place. Amazing birding, amazing book shop and great day out!

Brilliant day out, but we didn't see all of it. Oh well, we will come back again later in the year when the birds have migrated back 😁

Awesome shaped castle.

After years of not getting around to it, myself and a friend booked a twin room in the Farmhouse. The result was a terrific weekend of birding from the various hides, as well as the observatory and tower that are part of the farmhouse building. Morning coffee in the tower as the barn owl goes to bed and the geese start their day was a particular highlight. Go, experience the wonderful wildness of this centre where all the birds are free to come and go - you’ll see why the barnacles and whoopers return each winter and I’m tempted to do the same!

Absolutely love this place had a wonderful day the weather was amazing and the food in the cafe just tops it off will definitely be back soon

A great place to see wild geese and ducks, good selection of wildlife books and gifts etc Knowledgeable and help-full staff - just what you want for a wildlife experience