Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The dramatic open landscape of the Caerlaverock NNR borders the vast mudflats of the Solway Firth, and is most famous for providing a winter home for thousands of wading birds and wildfowl. From September onwards, thousands of barnacle geese from Svalbard in Arctic Norway, along with vast flocks of pink-footed geese and thousands of other ducks and waders, descend on the reserve. Winter is probably the best time to visit for birdwatchers. Then you’ll see the geese in their characteristic V-shaped skeins during their sunrise or sunset flights, and the sight and sound of these thousands of geese is unforgettable. But Caerlaverock is not just famous for its wildfowl. During warm spring evenings, the reserve echoes to the eerie, rasping calls of the rare natterjack toad. This is its most northerly UK location, where it mates in shallow pools. The merse (mudflats and saltmarsh) is dotted with colourful wildflowers, while skylarks soar above and breeding waders, like the bar-tailed godwit and knot, defend their territories in acrobatic aerial displays.
Location
CAERLAVEROCK
About the area
Dumfries and Galloway is a wonderfully undiscovered corner of Scotland – a romantic land of wooded glens, high hills and exposed moorland, haunted by its colourful past and the ghosts of those who fell in fierce and bloody battles. Heading west from Gretna Green you soon reach Dumfries, straddling the River Nith, where you may see red-breasted mergansers in summer.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Hoddom Castle Caravan Park
A lovely, peaceful family park located close to Annan, with its large range of shops and eateries. There are three amenity blocks, one is adjacent to the reception in part of the old ca...
Solway Holiday Village
Set in 130 acres of beautiful parkland and situated on the coastline of the Solway Firth, Solway Holiday Park is a great choice for exploring the Lake District. In addition to the heate...
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa
The Cairndale Hotel & Spa is ideally situated in the heart of Dumfries and has a brand new spa which offers modern, luxurious facilities including a spacious thermal pool with a variety...
Hylton Caravan Park
A smart, modern touring park with excellent toilet facilities including several bathrooms. This high quality park is a sister site to Stanwix Park, which is just a mile away and offers ...
Stanwix Park Holiday Centre
A large and well-run family park within easy reach of the Lake District. Attractively laid out, with lots of amenities to ensure a lively holiday, including a 4-lane automatic 10-pin bo...
Galabank Caravan & Camping Group
A tidy, well-maintained, grassy little park with spotless facilities close to the centre of town but with pleasant rural views, and skirted by the River Annan. A hands-on approach ensur...
Sandyhills Bay Holiday Park
A well maintained park in a superb location beside a beach, and close to many attractive villages. The level, grassy site is sheltered by woodland, and the south-facing Sandyhills Bay a...
Glenearly Caravan Park
Glenearly Caravan Park is an excellent small park in an open countryside setting. The park is located in 84 acres of farmland which has been carefully managed over the years to provide ...
