The 25th of October saw a unique event take place at Threave Nature Reserve, with a series of activities to encourage people to better consider and understand the lifecycle and travels of geese, particularly those passing through Galloway. The event formed part of the Wild Goose Festival, and included creating artworks, recording tv reports about geese and monitoring the progress of GPS Backpacks around the site.
This was a partnership event National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate Team and the Galloway Glens Scheme – forming part of the Wild Goose Festival. A range of goose experts were on hand, including Dr Larry Griffin, with activities including walks around the site and creative workshops. More than 40 people attended through the day, with a morning session and an afternoon session.
Mary Smith, Engagement Ranger on National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate Team, said:
“We were delighted with the turnout at the Goose Event and the enthusiasm and interest from everyone who came along, especially from the young participants – the artwork and drama they created to tell the stories of different species of geese here at Threave Nature Reserve was fantastic. Hopefully the event has inspired a lifelong interest in geese and how we can support them”
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, added:
“It was wonderful the way the young people tested out the Goose journey tracking technology at Threave and then, inspired by Goose expert, Dr Larry Griffin, were able to express their empathy for the geese, who face various climate and hunter related challenges on their journeys, through art, drama and creative writing”
For more information about the Wild Goose Festival, visit: https://wildgoosefestival.scot/. The Galloway Glens is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. The scheme is funded by a range of partners including Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Its remit is to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.
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