Friday 2nd September saw Muirdrochwood Forest near Carsphairn awash with local school children. This was part of the ‘Wildlife Bonanza’ of events being held this Autumn which encourage the local community to visit and feel a connection to the site, also celebrating the installation of the new Wildlife Hide.
Kells and Dalry Schoolchildren were invited to the site for a whole range of activities, including wildlife walks, tree planting and hearing tales from a crypto-zoologist, awakening imaginations to folklore and stories from the woodland.
Hosted by Carsphairn Community Woodland, the schools visit and the other bonanza events have been organised in partnership with the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and the Galloway Glens Scheme. The Bonanza events are being funded by the Galloway Glens Scheme, and Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL)
The overall bonanza programme consists of 3 public events and the school visit. Last week the first public event ‘Darkness & Stars’ took place, which was thoroughly enjoyed by those attending and was capped off by a wonderfully clear sky. ‘Life as a Squirrel or Pine Marten’ is scheduled for 7th September and ‘Fungi and Mushrooms’ is on 14th September. (Note: Both remaining public events are now fully booked.)
Looking back at the schools visit, Wendy Fenton, of Carsphairn Community Woodland, said:
“Carsphairn Community Woodland are keen to encourage the younger members of the community to come and enjoy this community woodland and experience the wonderful environment so we were delighted to host the local schools as part of the Wildlife Bonanza. It was lovely to see so many happy faces enjoying the woodland. We look forward to welcoming them back at future events and hope they will bring their parents here to walk around the wood, join in with local activities and see the trees they planted. We would like to thank Galloway Glens and the Biosphere for all the work they put in to make this such a successful day – and of course to the very entertaining crypto-zoologist!
Jenna Cains, Community & Education Lead from the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, said:
“Seeing the Biosphere in action is the best part of my job, and nothing encapsulates the global UNESCO Biosphere ethos more than creating opportunities for young people to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. There is so much for all ages to learn about the astonishing variety of plant and animal life on our very doorsteps and we’re excited for all the discoveries that are yet to come at Carsphairn Community Woodland, through our September programme of events and far beyond.”
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, added:
Many thanks to all the school children, teachers and everyone that took part. The aim of the Galloway Glens Scheme is to ‘connect people to our heritage’ and this just fitted that brief perfectly, while also being great fun!”
This hide was created using funds from Carsphairn Community Woodland (CCW) and the Galloway Glens Scheme, supported by partners including the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
Full details of the public events are provided on the event booking pages. For anyone planning a visit to the woodland outside these ticketed events, The Muirdrochwood car park is on the B729 towards Carsphairn from the High Bridge junction (postcode: DG7 3TE), The ‘what three words’ location for the site is remit.breed.chestnuts.
For more information about the hide and the wider Muirdrochwood Forest site, follow ‘Carsphairn Community Woodland’ on facebook or website (www.carsphairn/CCWL). If you would like to join CCW as a member (if you live in Carsphairn Community area) or as a supporter (if you live further afield), details are on the website or contact them at: [email protected].
The Galloway Glens Scheme seeks to ‘connect people to their heritage’ while boosting the local economy and supporting sustainable communities. It is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by a whole range of partners including Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
