An exciting and fun programme of coastal woodland events is planned for the summer holidays, based in woodlands across the Solway Coast. Made up of 30 events in total, these 2-hour sessions aim to give young people the ability to enjoy and better understand our Coastal Woodlands.
These events form part of the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project, and are delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, with funding from the D&G Coastal Benefit Fund. It is made possible thanks to the support of hosting landowners and partners along the coast.
The programme holds a series of three days of activities at each site. Day one is ‘What is a Tree to me?’, including Exploration, bug hunts + games. Day Two is called ‘Wild Encounters’, including bird watching and pond dipping. Day three is called ‘Shipwrecked on the Solway coast’ and includes bushcraft, foraging and den building. Attendees can sign up for all three sessions or a single session. Each day consists of a morning session of 10-12noon (designed for Wee Kids <8years), and then a 1-3pm session (designed for Big Kids 8-12 years).
The programme dates are:
- Leswalt – Aldouran Wetland Garden: 7th, 8th, 9th July
- Caerlaverock – Castle Woods: 14th, 15th, 16th July
- Garlieston – Galloway House Gardens: 21st, 22nd, 23rd July
- Kirkcudbright – Barrhill Wood: 28th, 29th, 30th July
- Kirkinner – Kilsture Forest: 4th, 5th, 6th August
For full information, and how to book your free tickets, visit: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/coastal-woodland-adventures/.
The events are supported as part of the Solway Coast and Marine Landscape Connections Project. This is an ambitious programme of activity along our coastline, with ‘coastal woodlands’ a priority habitat for support.
Dr Jan Hogarth, People, Learning & Communications Coordinator for SCAMP Landscape Connections added:
“SCAMP Landscape Connections are delighted to be working with D&G Woodlands on these exciting Coastal Woodland Adventures exploring the fantastic variety of coastal woodlands, how they connect with other coastal and marine habitats and sit within our Solway’s extensive seascape.
Connecting our young people with coastal woodlands through practical curiosity while growing an understanding of all the life that lives there will foster a confidence, respect and love for the Solway’s beautiful coastal woodlands that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
The events will be led by Ranger Toni Lamont. Toni added:
“I’m delighted to be delivering this exciting series of events, set within the beautiful and diverse coastal woodlands of the Solway Firth. These events are a unique opportunity to bring communities together and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. I’m especially passionate about creating fun, engaging, and memorable experiences for children, helping them to explore, learn, and grow through hands-on activities in nature. I look forward to welcoming families and children of all ages to share in this celebration of our region’s remarkable landscapes and wildlife.”
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Work by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is being boosted thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to deliver a tangible response to the twin crises we face and to maximise the benefits delivered in the region.
For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.
