An exciting, fun and free programme of imaginative events is planned for the summer holidays, hosted in coastal woodland sites across Dumfries & Galloway, from obstacle courses to making and using your own ink.
The events are either designed for under 8-year-olds or over 8-year-olds, and aim to give our region’s young people the ability to enjoy and better understand our Coastal Woodlands. They are led by qualified outdoor event leaders and promise to be a highlight of the summer holidays.
The programme of events is led by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, a local charity supporting trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them in our region. The events are funded thanks to support from the D&G Coastal Benefit Fund.
The events are:
- Friday the 10th of July – Aldouran Wetland Garden, Leswalt- Fire and Feather.
Making natural ink over a responsible fire, to then use the ink and charcoal to draw birds we spot in the bird hide.
- Saturday the 11th of July– Ardwell Estate, Ardwell- Damsel and the Dragon.
Fly across Ardwell Estate as a dragonfly or damselfly, make your own set of wings from willow and wool, play games where you have to try not get eaten by a big bird!
- Wednesday the 15th of July– Galloway House Gardens, Garlieston- Beach Treasures
Make your own beach art from driftwood and shells. Identify a host of seaweed and sea creatures, you can make a dream catcher or a journey stick or wind chimes. Discuss responsible foraging and play games such as ‘limpet or lose it’.
- Saturday the 18th of July– Kilsture Forest, Kirkinner- The Pioneers.
Recently there have been sightings of Pine Marten very close to Kilsture Forest. In this session we will become Pine Martens for the day, building and completing an obstacle course, learning about what Pine Marten eat through hands on activities and games.
- Friday the 24th of July– Bennel Wood, Dalbeattie- The Archer’s Adventure.
Pretend we have been transported back to mesolithic times and build our own bow and arrows to shoot at targets as we climb to the top of the hill.
- Friday the 31st of July– Everholm Park, Annan- Wear the Wild.
Make your own jewellery, using elder to make beads, nettles to make cord, weaving our own wool friendship bracelets following Nordic braiding techniques.
- Monday the 3rd of August– Barhill Wood, Kirkcudbright- Rescue Red.
Red, the red squirrel needs saving and is lost somewhere in Barhill Wood! Work together as a group to track where he is, come face to face with Georgie the Grey squirrel, his nemesis, and get Red back in his Drey.
- Friday the 7th of August– Caerlaverock Estate- Wood Vibrations.
Make our own musical instruments, choose between making a whistle, a rattle, a drum, a harp, or clackers, or make them all! Lets start a woodland band.
- Tuesday the 11th of August– Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet- Escape the Woods.
Escape room / Crystal maze themed – Work together as a team to solve puzzles as we walk round the ponds of Rainton farm. Can you solve the anagram on the back of the hazel leaves? Can you solve the puzzle to get the code to the chest? What’s in it? How much time do you have left before we release the wolves?!
- Wednesday the 12th of August– Bennel Woods, Dalbeattie- Mad Scientist.
You will gather your specimens from the forest floor, fibres, spores, cells and, through imagination and experimentation, combine your discoveries into entirely new lifeforms. Sketch them. Name them. Breathe story into them. What creature might emerge from moss and mycelium? What could be born from pollen and pond water? Use Bennel Wood as your own laboratory!
Each day consists of a morning session of 10-12noon (designed for Wee Kids <8years), and then a 1-3pm session (designed for Big Kids 8-12 years).
For full information, and how to book your free tickets, visit: https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/coastal-woodland-quests/.
The events will be led by Ranger Toni Lamont. Toni said:
“The Coastal Woodland Quest programme is designed to help people reconnect with the natural world on their doorstep, combining exploration, learning, and play to create memorable and enriching experiences in our coastal woodlands. I’m really looking forward to delivering these sessions across Dumfries and Galloway and working with local communities to share in that experience together.
There is a broad mix of activities available, ensuring something for every young person to enjoy. We aim to give every young person the opportunity to make happy, meaningful memories this summer, while actively encouraging time outdoors due to the many benefits of play in nature.”
The Programme of events is delivered by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands (DGW). DGW Manager, McNabb Laurie, added:
“It’s that moment when you start to look at the approaching summer holidays with a mixture of excitement and bewilderment! These free events promise to be a highlight, made up of great fun outdoors in coastal woodlands, a dose of fresh air and a sparking of imaginations!
This is all only possible thanks to a grant received from the Dumfries & Galloway Coastal Benefit Fund.”
The Solway Coast & Marine Landscape Connections Project (SCAMP) is overseeing ten years of activity along the Solway Coast. One of the key habitats for SCAMP is ‘Coastal Woodlands’. For more information about SCAMP, visit https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands benefits from ongoing support from a range of partners, including Woodland Trust Scotland, Scottish Forestry and Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team. Work by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is being boosted thanks to a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to deliver a tangible response to the twin crises we face and to maximise the benefits delivered in the region.
For more information about Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, follow them on social media, visit the website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk or sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iAlL6k. Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is registered in Scotland as a SCIO, number 052525.
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a membership organisation. If you’d like to join as a member, visit the website. For any further info, please contact [email protected].
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