Dhoon Bay, Kirkcudbright 10.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday 4th June. While many will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we will be searching for nature’s queen bees (as well as a host of other bees, plants and other wildlife).
Despite being a very popular spot for locals and visitors alike the Dhoon, near Kirkcudbright has very few species recorded for it. We hope to change that with our Bioblitz; a nature hunt that everyone can take part in regardless of your knowledge of wildlife. Spend the day or just a few minutes on the hunt for the different species that can be found in the area. Get our wildlife experts to help you identify and record what you have found. This family friendly event is suitable for all ages and levels of experience from complete beginner to seasoned recorder.
Will we find any royal plants or animals? We couldn’t find any royal names but maybe you will be lucky, or why not name your own species that is yet to have its own common name…
Drop in throughout the day to join our experts in a challenge to find and identify the wonderful array of plants and animals living on the shores of Kirkcudbright Bay to celebrate World Oceans Day.
The day will start at 10am looking at the range of moths that were found overnight. At 11am we will head out onto the beach and the mud with the Freelance ranger to see what we can find hidden under the surface. Did you know there were loads of different types of seaweed? Come along for the seaweed walk at 12noon to find out more. Next you will be able to find out all about the shells that can be discovered along the Solway. Finishing off the day at 2pm there will be a geologist on hand to tell you all about the pebbles you find on the beach.
Nic Coombey, Solway Firth Partnership Project Officer, said: “Throughout the day there will be displays of some of the plants and animals that have been found. You will be able to get a close look at them through our microscopes and find out how you can record your wildlife sightings on your phone. Both South West Environmental Information Centre and Solway Firth Partnership will have people on hand to help you get started. I am looking forward to seeing an amazing range of species found on the shores of Kirkcudbright Bay.”
For families there will be a wildlife spotter sheet. Who can get the most points? In the afternoon there will be opportunity to try crafts on the beach for the younger members of the family.
The event is being run by South West Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) and Solway Firth Partnership (SFP) with funding from the Galloway Glens small grant scheme.
McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team leader, added:
“There ain’t no party like a Solway Firth Partnership party… This free event on 4th of June is a great opportunity for kids and grown ups to learn more about what lives in Kirkcudbright Bay, from Moths to Seaweed, and everything in between.
The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team and we are delighted to be supporting this project through our Small Grants Scheme, using funds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.”
