Join Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands and Historic Environment Scotland for a tree-specific BioBlitz at Caerlavock Castle on Saturday 29th August!
There are many mysteries at Caerlaverock Castle, including how old the trees are, where the bodies are buried (seriously…they haven’t found the graveyard yet!), and even what kind of tree species (and how many) are there.
We’ll kick off by hearing from King Dalby from Caerlaverock Castle, about how the histories and mysteries of the site are woven into the trees that are there and the exciting plans for solving these mysteries. We’ll then practice our tree ID skills, and go on to enjoy discovering and recording the various tree species and their locations. We might even bump into an ancient granny tree or two!
All of the data we collect will contribute to the growing evidence of nature and wildlife present on site and build the picture of what lives and thrives there. There have already been several other bioblitzes for insects, plants, fungi and more, so we will be contributing to a really amazing set of information that hasn’t been recorded before!
Details of the day:
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Timings:
- First half of the walk at 11.00 – introduction to the site, practicing tree identification
- Lunch break at 12.30
- Second half of the walk at 13.30pm – getting stuck into the Bioblitz
- Finish by 16.00 latest
We will be recording our findings using the iNaturalist app, so please download this to your phone or tablet in advance. Join the project named ‘Caerlaverock Castle Bioblitz 2026’ to submit your observations.
We will be outside and in the woods for the event, so dress for the weather (clothing and shoes). Feel free to bring some binoculars, and anything else that you might need.
The Visitor Centre will be open and has coffees/teas and snacks available for purchase. Do also bring your own packed lunches and something to drink. There will be groups with stalls on site on the day so you can explore their exciting work during the lunch break as well.
Directions:
The castle is approximately 8 miles south of Dumfries and 14 miles west of Annan. View Caerlaverock Castle on a Google map.
Journey Planners
Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland.