Bluebell update

Whilst I was at Kirroughtree today, leading the Orienteering for Beginners event, I had a quick look at the bluebells and most of them are now in full flower and looking fabulous!

So if you're looking for a a nice woodland walk this weekend I can recommend Kirroughtree or Cally Woods in Gatehouse as a good place to start!

Have a great weekend!

Yogi

Bluebells in the Galloway Forest Park

The Bluebells are early this year and whilst they haven't quite burst in to full flowers just yet they appear to be just days off. There is certainly a nice blue/purple haze going on in some areas of the park including Kirroughtree and Cally woods.

So this bank holiday weekend could be a great time to visit a woodland in the Galloway Forest Park to enjoy a bluebell walk!

Ill try and post a 'flowering' update towards the end of the week.

Yogi

Galloway Dark Sky Park

Galloway forest dark sky park merchandise is now available to buy from our 3 visitor centres Clatteringshaws, Kirroughtree and Glentrool.

Whether it be a new mug for your morning coffee or a key ring to post to friends and family there is something for you. Pop in and have a look next time your passing.

Yogi

Spring Photography at Glentrool

It was a great day yesterday to be exploring Glentrool. We met at the visitor centre and then headed to the Buchan and Glenhead, which were the two main areas we focused on for the afternoon. The Buchan is beautiful at any time of the year with it's mix of old trees and small rivers, snugly nestled into the surrounding hills.

The sunshine was a bit bright really for photography but the warm weather allowed us to soak up our surroundings and take time to focus on the smaller details found in the woodland.

Here are some photos I took during the afternoon.

Yogi

Spring Photography in the Galloway Forest Park

There are only 4 spaces left on the Spring Colour Photography event this Wednesday (20th April) at Glentrool.

Join Lucy and Andrew, our photography enthusiasts, for an afternoon exploring Glentrool Oakwoods with you camera. It doesn't matter if you have a digital compact or SLR camera, everyone is welcome.

It's an exciting time of year as leaves are bursting from their buds and woodland plants are starting to flower. There are some great water features on this route too!

£15 per person which includes a cup of tea or coffee when we get back to the visitor centre.

Booking essential please call 01671 402 420 to book your place. but hurry... we are nearly fully booked!

Yogi

Woodpeckers at Kirroughtree visitor centre

Children that came along to Kirroughtree visitor centre yesterday afternoon got a chance to make one of these great little wooden pencil holders to take home with them. They also got to make a funky wooden pendant too!

If you couldn't make it don't worry, we will be running the activity again on the 6th July between 2 and 3pm. It's a drop in session no booking required. £2 per child.

If you are at Kirroughtree before then keep an eye out for a real Greater Spotted Woodpecker. There is one that visits the peanut feeders near the visitor centre quite regularly.

Yogi

Wild Goats in Galloway

One of the great things about a walk in the Galloway hills is the array of wildlife that lives here and is often seen by those with a keen eye. From visiting migrant birds in Spring to resident red deer, whatever the time of year there is always something to see.

This time of the year you may hear the call of young goats (known as kids) and their mothers, keeping track of one another as they explore the hillsides and lower wooded edges in the forest park.

If you are exploring the Galloway Hills and the Loch Trool area, and you have a dog or dogs with you, please remember that a Galloway wild goat might not to be far away. Please keep your dog/s under close control. Whilst your dog might not mean to cause harm, being chased is highly stressful for the goats at any time of the year especially now when the kids are so young.

Yogi

Easter at Kirroughtree visitor centre

Join us on Sunday 24th April 11am - 3.30pm for trails, quizzes and games this Easter in the Galloway Forest Park.

Susi Sweat Pea will be running story telling sessions at set times during the day and don't forget to bring your decorated hard-boiled egg for the egg rolling competition at 3.15pm.

£3 per child

A full day of fun, see you there!

Yogi

Great weekend weather

The weather over the weekend was great for our Bird Calls for Beginners event. We had a lovely walk at Kirroughtree accompanied by lots of singing birds. If you missed it there is another event planned for the 10th July at Glentrool visitor centre 2pm start. Booking is essential and the cost is £5 per person which includes a tea or coffee when you get back to the centre. Yogi

Bird Calls for Beginners

Ever wanted to know who it is you can hear singing in the trees? Join our Ranger for an informal walk at Kirroughtree listening and identifying the calls of the most common feathered residents as you go.

The walk will stay fairly close to the main centre of Kirroughtree so we can spend more time listening.

There is a cost of £5 per person which includes tea or coffee upon return to the visitor centre.

Booking is essential, please call 01671 402 420 to book your place.

Yogi

P.s Galloway Forest Park is now on Twitter www.Twitter.com/gallowayforest