Join the team from Quests and Retreats to explore the secrets of the energy of water in the beautiful landscape of Drumlanrig castle situated on the river Nith in Dumfries and Galloway this weekend. They will explore fascinating estate maps in the castle archive and then journey into the landscape to see how water has been harnessed.
Join us on a quest to discover the hidden energy of water within the landscape surrounding Drumlanrig Castle. Working with Quest artist Jan Hogarth, Professor David Munro will taken us on a journey, guided by the fascinating estate plans in the castle’s archive, showing how energy has been harnessed, chiefly from the Marr Burn, to power mills, light the castle and feed an ornamental cascade and fountains in the designed landscape around Drumlanrig.
Jan Hogarth told DGWGO “Our journey will also take us to the site of a Roman fort, to ancient wells and to stones that may well have had their own ‘hidden’ energy linked to water nearby. We will explore how important water has been to the estate and to people who have lived on the land, from earliest times to modern hydro-electric schemes. The story of the power of water in the past and the present will hopefully stimulate us to think about the role of water in the future.”
She continued “Like many people who have been fortunate enough to grow up in this region’s landscape, I love the land with all my heart and soul and know it to be a place of healing, I want to work with others to celebrate this incredible place, its people, its culture and its potential, helping people to reconnect with nature.”
What: This is our first Quest centred around the landscape of Drumlandrig Castle which Professor Munro knows so well as geographer in residence for the Duke of Buccleuch. Professor Munro is a geographer with expertise in landscape, mapping and places names, and has a keen interest in water management through his advisory work in support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation which donates millions to important environmental projects all over the world. Professor Munro has been instrumental in developing links between the Foundation with institutions in the UK such as WaterAid, Plymouth University Marine Institute, the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Edinburgh.
Joined by Jan Hogarth, an environmental artist passionate about connecting people with landscape and the forces of nature. We will start in the map archives of the castle and with a sense of adventure and curiosity Professor Munro will take us on a journey to explore the hidden energy of water in and around the Drumlanrig Estate. Walking through beautiful woodlands and designed landscapes we will discuss water and its role in the past and its potential role in our future.
Guide: Geographer Professor David Munro and environmental artist, Dr Jan Hogarth
When and Where: Sunday 30th April 2017, meeting at 11am at Drumlanrig Castle car park.
Food, Lunch and Clothing: Please bring wellies and weatherproof clothes and a packed lunch for our journey. Fee: £40 (concessions available)
Book Tickets HERE
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