You might have noticed some unusual wooden QR codes appearing on signposts and interpretation boards around the Glenkens. These are part of the 'Participatory Monitoring of Landscape Change' project - a collaboration between Glenkens Community & Arts Trust and Dalry Community Council, supported by NatureScot funding over the past three years.

The Glenkens Pollinators project had the ambitious aim to distribute 130 fruit and nut trees across the Glenkens. The trees were to be planted in community spaces and gardens throughout the area.

On 4th December 2025 members and friends of Carsphairn SWI gathered in Lagwyne Hall to celebrate the Institute’s 90th birthday.

Earlier this year the 520 bus, which ran from Castle Douglas to Dalmellington, changed its route, now finishing in Carsphairn. There is now no bus connection between the Glenkens and East Ayrshire.

The first citizen science training event was held at Dalry Town Hall in October. It started with a presentation from SWSEIC support officer Malcolm Haddow and covered different species and habitats in the Glenkens, what signs to look for and how to accurately record a wildlife sighting.

Employers from a range of sectors active locally, nationally and internationally, as well as organisations linked to local training opportunities, attended an event at Dalry School in September.

The Glenkens and District Community Action Plan (CAP) was published in 2020, after 18 months of community engagement work. In 2023, the Glenkens Land Use Vision was adopted as an addendum to the CAP, in light of the rapid change in the landscapes around us.

On 1st December 2025 Lavinia, Alison, Nancy, Dorothy, Christine and Merle set off to Dalbeattie for the annual Stewartry SWI Christmas Quiz. The venue was Dalbeattie Town Hall and it was absolutely buzzing with chatter and laughter as everyone gathered.

Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund Small Grants are available now to support activities to benefit Balmaclellan Community Council area.

Ten organisations in Dumfries and Galloway have been awarded over £80,000 from the Glenkens & District Community Fund.  The fund has now provided more than £1.5 million in grants since it launched in 2019, supporting a wide variety of projects across the Glenkens and district area.

Carsphairn SWI was pleased to have a team taking part in the Stewartry Federation carpet bowling competition on Sunday 30th November 2025.

After a year of consultation, questionnaires and conversations, Crossmichael’s Local Place Plan is ready for its final comments before presenting to Dumfries and Galloway Council.

This Sunday 7th December, Corsock Village Hall will be buzzing with the excitement of the annual Corsock Craft Fair.

Melissa Ade (President) welcomed everyone to the 2025 AGM and took everyone through her reflections of the year.

If you've seen the October/November Gazette, you'll know that it's a Big Birthday for our wee newsletter - 25 years and 150 editions!

Following almost a year's consultation and development work led by Balmaclellan Community Council, the draft Balmaclellan Local Place Plan is now ready for its final consultation.

Resurfacing work will be taking place on the A75 at Castle Douglas, between Allanton Roundabout and the A713 junction, from Sunday 2nd November until Saturday 15th November 2025 between the hours of 8pm and 6am each night.

President, Melissa Ade welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Selina and Lindsay who had come to show members how to make an autumn wreath.

A new 10-strong Community Cardiac Responder Group has been established in Dumfries and Galloway to cover the Glenkens area.

This November sees the return of ‘Knowledge Knovember’ – a series of free online events on Tuesday evenings in November that give an opportunity to look at Dumfries & Galloway’s woodlands in new ways.