Final call for Wild Winter as event programme nears sell-out with additional events added due to high demand.
The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) is inviting local people to book their places in the final events of its highly successful Wild Winter programme, which has so far seen more than 400 people across Dumfries and Galloway enjoy public events and school activities connected with the region’s unique coastal environments.
Strong demand for the Wild Winter programme has resulted in many events selling out completely, indicating a strong desire from people to learn more about their local marine environment and to actively participate in its conservation through citizen science and hands-on opportunities. The events have been designed to be interactive and practical, giving people skills such as how to access saltmarsh safely and how to track wildlife in different habitats.
The wildlife tracking experience has proven so popular that SCAMP have added two additional family wildlife tracking events to the programme, to coincide with the easter holidays. These events, which will be held at St Marys Isle, Kirkcudbright on Saturday the 5th April and at Powfoot on the 6th of April, will show young people and adults how to track wildlife in different habitats, such as saltmarsh, coastal woodlands and the beach.
The Solway Coast and Marine Project (SCAMP) is an ambitious 15-year coastal and marine nature restoration 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 project seeks to restore the coastal and shallow sea habitats of the Solway, covering the entire 210km of the Dumfries and Galloway Coastline from Gretna to the Rhins of Galloway. The aim is to increase biodiversity, support coastal and marine habitats and support coastal communities, through learning, citizen science and practical conservation. By connecting local people with their coastal heritage, the project seeks to build a sustainable model of ecosystem stewardship that will benefit both wildlife and coastal communities for years to come.
Councillor Ian Blake, chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, commented:
“The exceptional turnout and additional demand for the Wild Winter programme demonstrates the deep connection our communities feel with our coastal heritage. What’s particularly encouraging is seeing people of all ages, from primary school children to people who are retired, engaging in this lifelong learning journey about our coastal and marine nature.”
Councillor Jackie McCamon, vice chair of the committee added:
“The growing interest in marine ecosystem restoration is evident from the strong attendance at these events, with many people expressing a desire to help through citizen science and other hands-on activities. These final events exemplify our region’s commitment to understanding and protecting our marine environment for future generations.”
The final events in the programme offer opportunities to explore both the natural ecology and rich cultural heritage of the Solway coastline. They include:
Shipping and Shoreline, Paddling Through Solway History
Wednesday 26 March at 7pm, Annan Town Hall or online.
An evening of talks focusing on the Solway as an important marine transport route where goods arrived and were shipped out from, led by Archie McConnel from DAMP (Dumfries Archival Mapping Project) and Alan Thomson lead officer for AHAG (Annan Harbour Action Group). This event focuses on Annan’s strategic role as a port. Travel back in time to understand the Solway as a seafaring community, at a time when the water was the fastest form of transport. This is a hybrid event which you can attend in person in Annan, or online.
Alan Thomson from Annan Harbour Action Group said:
“Communities like Annan exist because of their proximity to the coast, so understanding our historical relationship with the sea helps us appreciate how fundamentally it has shaped our communities. Our event will take people back to a time when Annan served as a vital port, connecting Dumfries and Galloway to the wider world through sea routes.”
Archie McConnel from Dumfries Archival Mapping Project commented:
“The Solway has a fascinating shipping history that many local people are unaware of. Through historical maps and records from the 18th and 19th centuries, we can trace how coastal communities across Dumfries and Galloway have been defined by their proximity to water. Our talk will reveal how goods from our region were exported around the world, how coastal water-based transport connected communities along the coastline, and how our landscape looks rather different in the era of coastal shipping and the horse.”
Sea, Saltmarsh and Migratory Fish, Wigtown
Thursday 27 March at 2-4pm, Wigtown Harbour
This incredible environment, where the fresh water meets the sea, is an important breeding ground for migratory fish. Marine biologists from Galloway Fisheries Trust will share explain why saltmarsh is so important to young fish, will demonstrate survey techniques and show attendees the different fish species that live there.
Sea, Saltmarsh and Migratory Fish, Annan
Friday 28 March at 2-4pm, Annan Harbour
Galloway Fisheries Trust care for river catchments, including the Annan, to support the natural lifecycles of numerous species of fish. At this workshop you’ll find out about the work their marine biologists do, including learning about survey techniques. You’ll hear about how freshwater influences coastal habitats and why migratory fish love this costal environment.
Emilie Wardhaugh from Galloway Fisheries Trust, who will lead the Sea, Saltmarsh and Migratory Fish events, added:
“Saltmarsh habitats are among the most productive ecosystems on earth and play a crucial role in the lifecycle of many fish species. Our workshops in Wigtown and Annan will give participants a rare opportunity to see these remarkable fish up close and learn about the conservation techniques we employ.”
Wildlife Tracking, Kirkcudbright and Powfoot
Saturday 5 April at 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm, St Marys Isle, Kirkcudbright
Sunday 6 April at 10am-noon, 1pm-3pm, Powfoot Beach
Wildlife tracking is a great way to get closer to nature and understand more about the impact of human behaviours on animals and their habitats. Designed for families, the two-hour session offers a perfect blend of education and play in a beautiful woodland and beach setting, led by experienced forest school practitioners Toni and Pauline.
Events are free to attend, but places are limited and booking is essential. Details and booking links can be found on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/wild-winter-4004263 and the project’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SolwayMarine
The booking link for the Wildlife Tracking events is: https://fienta.com/wildlife-tracking-afternoon-rescheduled-125707
