More than 300 people take part in Coastal Woodland Adventures Programme
Through the school summer holidays a programme of ‘Coastal Woodland Adventures’ events have been delivered along the Solway Firth. Aimed at a wide range of ages, these were based in five of our most special woodlands. Topics covered varied from tree ID and bug hunts through to bushcraft and survival skills.
More than 300 people took part in 60 hours of activity through the summer holidays, engaging the next generation in the importance of our coastal woodlands.
The Coastal Woodland Adventures events were delivered in Aldouran Wetland Garden, Caerlaverock Estate, Kirkcudbright’s Barhill Woods, Kilsture Forest and Galloway House Gardens. Delivered by outdoor leaders, they also included transport options, removing barriers for attendance.
The events were led by Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands, a charity seeking to support native woodlands in the region. The events were only possible thanks to funding from the D&G Coastal Benefit Fund and the Solway Coast & Marine Landscape Connections Project, using funds from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Excellent feedback was received from attendees, including:
"I cannot thank everyone involved enough for such a unique experience in our rural area. It's great to see days like this being offered to children and I could see every single child there was enjoying the whole experience."
"They enjoyed learning about trees. They also enjoyed the arty section and asked if they could do it again in the afternoon session! When we got home they were investigating the trees all around our house."
"Loved taking the time to slow down and appreciate nature together with my children"
"As a parent it was so lovely how inclusive both sessions were with both rangers making children feel included and reassured. When my son got a bit overwhelmed both rangers still included him but also gave him the space he needed to gather himself and therefore he was able to join in the rest of the activities. The simple yet informative schedule of both days made them run so smoothly and it's fantastic to see such activities being offered in such a rural wee town!"
"I appreciated the enthusiasm of the facilitators, and that it was fun for both adults and children. We really enjoyed the sessions."
The events were led by Ranger Toni Lamont. Looking back at the programme, Toni said:
"It was a real joy to deliver the Coastal Woodland Adventure programme on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, across five stunning locations throughout the region. Over three days at each site, from hot, sunny sessions in Garlieston to wet and wild days in Caerlaverock, families joined us to connect with their local woodlands. Whether it was learning responsible bushcraft, identifying tree species, listening to birdsong, exploring nests, or creating natural art, every activity offered a chance to deepen that connection.
It was wonderful to see communities coming together outdoors, with children growing in confidence and curiosity, some even remembering every tree we talked about! I'm truly grateful to the landowners who supported us and to every family who took part. Your enthusiasm and openness made it a truly special experience."
Dr Jan Hogarth from SCAMP Landscape Connections added:
“We were delighted to support this adventure into our Solway Coastal woodlands. Through these amazing learning experiences our young people will have fostered even more love for the natural world and discovered new skills and fun ways to connect with these fascinating native woodlands which one day they can pass onto their children and grandchildren.”
SCAMP – Landscape Connections is an ambitious coastal and marine nature restoration project that seeks to restore the coastal and shallow sea habitats of the North Solway, covering the entire Dumfries and Galloway coastline from Gretna around to the Rhins of Galloway, working with nature, local people, sustaining the economy and delivering health and wellbeing benefits. 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 mcnabb.laurie@dgwoodlands.org.