Nature

The Flora and Fauna in this area of Scotland provide a fantastic spectacle whether you are visiting organised gardens or are in the wild. The diversity of wild flowers and plants mean the provision of perfect natural habitats for a large range of wildlife. 

Gardens

The excellent climate in this part of Scotland adds greatly to the already existing favourable growing conditions provided by the regions soil types. Over many years this has attracted talented gardeners to Dumfries and Galloway who have certainly left their mark.

Castle Kennedy Gardens was developed by the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730’s and covers some 75 acres. This beautiful area of land boasts two lochs a ruined castle and a fine display of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Embothriums. A trail of fantastic horticulture can be found right the way across the region as far as Craiglochan Gardens in the Moffat valley, there is even a Botanical garden at Port Logan which is unrivalled in Scotland for its collection of exotic plants.

The Sea
Dumfries and Galloway has over 200 miles of coastline boasting rugged cliffs, golden sands and secluded bays. The sea has played a very important part in shaping this region, the ferry service to Northern Ireland provides massive employment in the Stranraer area. Fishing is another sizeable industry with boats still departing from the many small towns and villages dotted along the Solway coast.
The sea, although a massive resource, has not always been kind to the area. On the 31st January 1953 the Princess Victoria mail ship sank off Stranraer with the loss of 135 lives. More recently, in January 2000, the loss of the Solway Harvester along with seven fishermen was deeply felt in the community.

Sea Angling is a very popular pastime in the area whether by boat or from the shore. The Flat Rock at Balcary is a great place to fish for cod, while Dogfish, bass, conger, mackerel and pollack also provide good sport in the local waters.

Nature
South West Scotland is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the UK as far as human inhabitants go but for wildlife, particularly bird life, there is an incredible amount to see. Below is a brief overview of some of the many reserves that can be found in the area.

National Trust for Scotland Reserves

Threave Garden and Estate
The gardens are a famous tourist attraction where you can take guided walks or use one of the many hides by the River Dee.

Rockcliffe and Rough Island
Rockcliffe can be found in the Urr estuary and has a beautiful coastal landscape. Walkers can use the many small paths that stretch out over the grassland and woodland and enjoy fantastic views from granite outcrops toward Rough Island and the Solway.
Rough Island can be accessed but visitors should be sure not to cross the causeway when the tide is rising as the current runs very fast. During the nesting season visitors are not allowed.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Bridge of Cree Wood
The Wood of Cree is the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland and an ideal spot for watching both bird life and otters. A wide variety of birds can be seen including owls, woodpeckers and small raptors. There are picnic benches available and great walks through the ancient woodland.

Mull of Galloway
The Mull of Galloway is Scotland’s most southerly point. On an exposed headland there is a reserve that is inhabited by cormorants, gannets and various other types of seabird. There is a visitor centre where the birds can be viewed from mounted cameras and it is also possible to scale the lighthouse and enjoy some breathtaking views.

Scottish National Heritage Reserves

Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve
This is situated a short distance from Caerlaverock Castle which is an ancient monument. The reserve is at the mouth of the Nith Estuary and consists of extensive reed beds, coastal woodlands and salt marsh. All this provides food and cover for resident waterfowl and seabirds and those birds that are migrating.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve - Carstramon Wood
Covering some 90 ha, Carstramon is the largest of four Oak woodlands in the Fleet Valley and one of the last remnants of the extensive forests which once covered the region. In spring the woodland floor is carpeted with masses of Bluebells, whilst all year round there is a good range of ferns, mosses and liverworts. The well developed vegetation and mature woodland provides shelter for a wide woodland fauna, including Red Squirrels, and nesting sites for many woodland birds, species now under considerable pressure throughout the UK.