Glenkens News
‘Biosphere Connections’ announced as a new summer networker for UNESCO region
The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere (GSAB) Partnership has announced its largest ever gathering will take place on Wednesday 29th July in Thornhill.
Carsphairn SWI Summer Outing
The theme for the day turned out to be ‘Connections, Past and Present’. Long may those connections hold firm.
Adventurous participants sought for a summer of Coastal Woodland Quests!
The events are either designed for under 8-year-olds or over 8-year-olds, and aim to give our region’s young people the ability to enjoy and better understand our Coastal Woodlands.
The Solway Coast needs your help!
Galloway Rivers Trust (formerly Galloway Fisheries Trust) are raising awareness of invasive non-native plant species (INNS) affecting coastal environments and to ask for your assistance in identifying and reporting any sightings on land you own, manage or access.
Cultural bridge: from Dalry to Cologne
This summer, a new international exchange will link the Glenkens with Sülz in Cologne, Germany, exploring what keeps volunteers showing up and how shared spaces shape community life.
RISE OPEN 2026 - call for submissions
RISE OPEN 2026 is now open for submissions from visual artists under 25 living in Dumfries & Galloway. This is a FREE opportunity for emerging artists working across 2D and 3D visual art.
Loch Ken Junior Rangers Summer Programme 2026
Are you aged 11–18 and passionate about nature, wildlife and the outdoors? Join the Loch Ken Junior Rangers and take part in an exciting programme of practical conservation activities, outdoor skills and environmental learning while working towards the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA) Junior Ranger Award.
Update on Carsphairn shop and pub plans
Letter from Carsphairn Village Shop Committee Ltd (CVSL) on the ongoing redevelopment of the community shop and plans to re-open the village pub.
Carsphairn Woodland Nature Activities 2026
As part of the community engagement program at Carsphairn Community Woodland, we will be hosting woodland nature activities alongside the monthly volunteering days, with lots of fun activities to get involved in.
Glenkens Community Fund awards over £109,000
Children, young people, and families remained a key priority for the Fund, recognising the significant role this support plays in the long-term sustainability of the community.
An accidental career in forestry: Kevin Peace
From an early and accidental encounter with the world of forestry in 1965, Dalry resident Kevin Peace has made a successful career in this field of work, taking jobs in many other parts of the UK and gaining qualifications along the way.
New base for Crossmichael Resilience Team
A group of enthusiastic Crossmichael residents of all ages have come together to ensure that there is someone on hand to help the community in an emergency.
Glenkens & District Trust welcomes Helen Keron as Trustee and incoming Chair
After a thorough recruitment process, Glenkens & District Trust (GDT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Keron as a Trustee. Helen will also take on the role of Chair later in the year.
The Pavilion opens at at Barwhillanty Estate
For Oscar and Maria Yerburgh, owners of Barwhillanty Estate, a long-held vision is finally set to open its doors.
Views on Greystones Pub sought
Carsphairn Village Shop Ltd (CVSL) is actively exploring the opportunity to purchase the property and re-open it as a community owned public house (pub) and social hub, operating in a similar community focused way to the village shop and café.
Arctic Polar Swim draws nearer for Suzy
Suzy will head to Svalbard in June to swim 1000m in just a swimsuit and goggles - no wetsuit, gloves or thermal footwear!
Help shape the future of Glenkens Food Month
GCAT, Propagate and friends are looking for your views to help shape future Glenkens Food Months.
Life-size wooden sculpture tours the Glenkens throughout May
A wooden life-size figure has been crafted to sit on the new picnic bench at the top of Waterside Hill. Before she is installed on the hillside, she will tour the Glenkens through May 2026, igniting discussion and storytelling activities for all ages!
A life in miniature at Carsphairn SWI
On 16th April, Dorothy Faulds welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked Alison Metcalfe, a member of Carsphairn to lead everybody through her lifetime interest in planning, creating and making in miniature.
How healthy are our waterways across the Glenkens? Take part in a citizen science activity to find out for yourself!
This year, the Big River Watch takes place from 24th - 30th April, and those who would like to take part only need to spend 15 minutes watching the river, as well as (optionally) testing the water quality for nitrate and phosphate levels.
