Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a new initiative looking to support trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them across the region. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a whole range of partners, the Summer Programme of Events sets out to look at trees in many different ways, celebrating what we know and don’t know about our woodlands.
All events are free to attend bookable through the following links, or through our website www.dgwoodlands.org.uk. If you have queries about the accessibility of any event, contact mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.
McNabb Laurie, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands Manager, said:
“The guiding aim of this programme is to provide an opportunity to look at trees and woodlands from new angles – having good fun in the process! We have 22 events in all, from viking foragers to painting with the colour of trees, this programme has something for all ages and interests!
This is only the opening salvo of activity through the summer, with other events being developed with partners from Langholm to Stranraer. Keep an eye on our social media channels as these additional events are publicised in coming weeks.
If you have any queries about any of the events, please do get in touch. Thanks again to all partners involved for being so game, and to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support.”
- Kilsture Forest School. Aimed at ages 5-11 years. Pond Dipping 11-12 July, Storytelling & Mythology 20-21 July, Bushcraft 25-26 July. Sessions are 10am and 1pm daily, in Kilsture Forest near Wigtown. Full info: https://fienta.com/o/25379.
- Kilsture Art/Science/Forest – Investigating Soil on the Forest Floor. 14 July, 4-6pm. An artist, a forester and a wildlife recorder want us to look at the soil while walking through the largest patch of woodland in the Machars. Full info: https://fienta.com/investigating-soil-in-kilsture-forest-art-science-forest.
- A Forester’s Eye – Woodland Walk. 27 July 10-12.30pm. Join forester Edward Kyrke to discuss how his career across different forestry sectors has influenced how he sees woodland. Venue TBC. Full info: https://fienta.com/a-forester-s-eye-woodland-walk.
- Summer Woodland Taster Foray. 06 August 6-8.30pm in Carstramon Woods. Mark Williams will lead a guided walk through one of largest semi-natural broadleaved woodlands in Galloway. What can be on the menu? Full info: https://fienta.com/carstramon-summer-woodland-taster-foray.
- Trysting Trees at Muirdrochwood. 14 August 6.30-8pm in Carsphairn Community Woodland. Palnackie’s Old Mill Team want us to think about different artistic opportunities provided by trees – from dyes to tree lore. Full info: https://fienta.com/trysting-trees-at-muirdrochwood.
- Trysting Trees at Taliesin. 17 August 10am–2pm at Taliesin near Auchencairn. Join the Old Mill team to make your own tree ink and explore the creative potential of local trees. Full info: https://fienta.com/trysting-trees-at-taliesin.
- Tree Flowers: An Introduction to the Bach Flower Remedies. 20 August 6-8pm at Drumclyer Cottages near Irongray. Trees might only be in flower briefly but the Bach Remedy System aims to understand their potential for remedial uses. Full info: https://fienta.com/tree-flowers-an-introduction-to-the-bach-flower-remedy-system.
- Caerlaverock – the History of a Coastal Woodland. 27 August 3-5pm & 6-8pm. We can all see the castle, but what influence has it had on Caerlaverock Castle Woodlands? Dr Coralie Mills leads two walks talking about recent research, what we know and what we still don’t. Full info: https://fienta.com/s/caerlaverock-the-history-of-a-coastal-woodland.
- Plant Medicines from Dumfries and Galloway’s Woodlands. 03 September 7.30-9pm Online event. Medical herbalist Sarah Jane Scouten lifts the lid on traditional and modern applications of medicinal plants found in our woodlands and hedgerows. Full info: https://fienta.com/plant-medicine-from-dumfries-and-galloway-s-woodlands.
- Wigtownshire’s Coastal Woodlands – folklore and more. 07 September 9.30am-1pm. Christy Miles from Way of the Wild will lead a group from Garlieston to Rigg Bay, exploring the stunning coastal woodland landscape, discussing the local folklore and tales. Full info: https://fienta.com/wigtownshire-s-coastal-woodlands-folklore-and-more.
- Medieval Woodland Foraging: Perspectives from the Past. 28 September 10-12noon. A medieval guide will lead a group around Eskrigg Nature Reserve in Lockerbie, highlighting what Vikings would have been looking for from our woodlands. No pillaging allowed. Full Info: https://fienta.com/medieval-woodland-foraging-perspectives-from-the-past.
