Deer Range Diaries

Newly born Calf!

Yes you read it right, our first 2011 red deer calf has been born at the range. Both mum and calf are doing brilliantly. This is a very early arrival as the calves are not generally born until early June.

Which means our 3 native species in Galloway will be having, or about to be having, their calves too. Please bear this in mind if out exploring woods and hills and keep any dogs you may have with you close by. Being chased by dogs is highly stressful for any wild animal, especially if they are pregnant or with young.

I'll post some pictures of our new arrival when I can. In the first few days they are quite shy and hide in the grass a lot under the watchful eye of mum. But when they are a bit braver I'll see if I can get a photo!

Y

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