Perhaps the most famous of Caerlavarock's visitors are the wild Barnacle Geese that arrive on the reserve every October from Svalbard in the high Arctic to spend the winter in vast flocks. A recording made at Caerlavarock in 2004 is available on the download page.Their recovery has been quite remarkable ,thanks to the conservation efforts of the WWT, SNH and the Caerlavarock estate.From fewer than 400 birds in the late 1940's they now number somewhere in the region of 40,000!

Special Birds;-Both pink-feet and barnacle Geese arrive in late september.

large numbers of Whooper swan, wildfowl, Peregrine regular.Best time;Winter Sept-March

WWT Caerlaverock lies 9 miles south east of Dumfries. Follow tourist signs from A75 west of Annan or St. Michael's church in Dumfries. Nearest railway and coach stations Dumfries; limited bus service to Caerlaverock.The number of Barnacle Geese that fly from Norway to the banks of the Solway Firth each year are a sign of the quality of the wetlands at Caerlaverlock.

This is simply a must for any lover of birds and their wild habitats. On-site accommodation is also available.Facilities

1,400-acre wild nature reserve with hides and observation towers linked by network of screened approaches and seasonal nature trails. Free parking.

Visitor building with Fair Trade coffee shop, natural history bookshop and binoculars and telescopes for sale. Binoculars for hire. Theatre/conference room. Sheltered picnic area. Self-catering farmhouse accommodation.

Pictures: Birdersmarket

WWT Caerlaverock

Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock

Dumfriesshire, Scotland

DG1 4RS

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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