The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) is encouraging people of all ages to explore the coast this half term, as the ‘Wild Winter’ programme of events kicks off in Stranraer next week.
The events recognise the town’s deep connection with the marine environment. As a community shaped by its coastal location, people in and near Stranraer are being encouraged to take part, share their views and to learn about the rich biodiversity that makes their home special.
The launch event for the Wild Winter programme is ‘Journeys, Wildlife, Invasive Species and Plastic Migrations’ which takes place in the Millenium Centre, and online, on Wednesday 19th February. Led by Nic Coombey of the Solway Firth Partnership, he will explain the parallels between marine wildlife migration and the routes travelled by marine plastics. The event, which is suitable for all ages, will also provide opportunities to ask questions and to volunteer for hands-on activities, such as beach cleans and SCAMP’s Coastodians initiative.
Nic Coombey said:
“The seashore is probably the wildest habitat that can be found in Scotland. Over thousands of years people have modified the countryside, but the ancient world survives on our windswept coasts. This is especially true of the magnificent Wigtownshire coastline.
“Long, varied and richly endowed with estuaries, rocky headlands, sandy bays, stoney beaches and cliffs, our coastline is a wonderful place where wildlife thrives. It’s a dynamic place too, that changes with every tide revealing something new washed up on the strandline.
“From saltmarsh to coastal woodland there are so many opportunities to get involved; everything from exploring and recording wildlife to cleaning beaches of plastic debris that floats in from far and wide. The more you look the more you will discover, and the more you know the more you care.”
A little further afield, Winter Wildlife Tracking sessions at Galloway Houe Gardens will give people of all ages an opportunity to get close to nature by learning to identify and interpret animal tacks, signs and behaviours in the beautiful Galloway House coastal woodland environment. For these fun events, which take place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February at Galloway House Gardens near Garlieston, from 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm, please book by following the link: https://fienta.com/o/25379
The enchanting world of marine wildlife is the focus of another family-friendly event the following week at a free of charge film screening at the Ryan Centre. Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story (Cert 12) shows how an orphaned otter helped his rescuer, Billy, find joy in life again. Set in the dramatic seascape of Shetland, the film shows the challenges of surviving in this remote place and introduces us to Molly’s incredible underwater world.
After the film screening, SCAMP’s ecologist, Nick Chisholm, will lead a discussion about the local marine environment, and will invite everyone attending to think about what Stranraer’s community wants for our local coastline.
Ian Blake, chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said:
“With the oyster festival and Place Plan, Stranraer has already demonstrated how much the community values the local marine environment. The Solway Coast and Marine Project isn’t just about marine ecosystem restoration for its own sake, it’s about making sure the voice of coastal communities is heard while also creating opportunities for people to be directly involved. These Wild Winter events are an important part of that.”
Jackie McCamon, vice chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee added:
“Charismatic marine mammals like the otter Molly in this beautiful film show us why the marine environment is so important. I’m delighted to see so many family friendly events within the Wild Winter programme. Kids have an instinctive connection with nature, and I’m looking forward to seeing SCAMP involve our region’s young people in this important marine project.”
All events are being organised by the Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP), an ambitious 15-year project led by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Environment Team and supported by NatureScot in collaboration with the Scottish Government and in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Wild Winter programme is delivered in partnership with Galloway Fisheries Trust, D&G Woodlands, AHAG (Annan Harbour Action Group), DAMP (Dumfries Archival Mapping Project) and Solway Firth Partnership.
The full Wild Winter programme can be found on the SCAMP website: https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/wild-winter-programme/ and the project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SolwayMarine.
Event booking is via the Wild Winter Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/wild-winter-4004263
