Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
Landscape In Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland
1,400 acre wetland site with mudflats, pools and reedbeds supporting thousands of birds.

We visited WWT Caerlaverock in February 2022 and had four seasons in one day with hail, snow, rain and bright sunshine, but it didn't stop us seeing over 40 species of birds in the few hours we were there. The views over the site were absolutely stunning too and there was plenty of walking to do around the huge site.
The reserve encompasses a huge array of habitats, including mudflats, saltmarshes, reedbeds, woodland and scrub, each providing homes for many different types of wildlife.
Mudflats and Saltmarsh: These areas shaped by the tides of the Solway Firth, support invertebrates including worms, crustaceans, and molluscs. These in turn, provide a vital food source for wading birds such as curlews, oystercatchers, and redshanks.
Freshwater Pools and Reedbeds: These tranquil waters offer a haven for a diverse range of aquatic life, including dragonflies, damselflies, and a variety of fish species. Reedbeds, with their dense stands of reeds and grasses, provide nesting and feeding opportunities for birds like reed warblers and bitterns.
Woodland and Scrub: These areas provide shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and small birds such as long tailed tits and greenfinch.



When you visit, you can expect to encounter a wide range of species, from swans and geese to waders and ducks. During the winter months, you might spot thousands of wintering waterfowl, creating quite the spectacle. It can also get quite noisy when the Whooper Swans, Pink Footed Geese and up to 30,000 Barnacle Geese are at their peak and at 1pm every day, the staff get ready for the 'swan feed'. This is a fantastic free for all for the birds and you can hear a talk from the wardens about the life of the Whooper Swans while they are being fed.
The mass of small songbirds, ducks and waders also provide a food source for some of the UK's most impressive birds of prey and it is not unusual to see Sparrowhawks, Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons, Merlin, Barn Owls and Short Eared Owls hunting on the reserve. During our visit we were lucky enough to see both a male and female Hen Harrier quartering over the site, on the look-out for unwary birds.




On site there is a network of well-maintained trails offering you the opportunity to discover the diverse habitats at your own pace. There are bird hides dotted around the site which provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The centre also offers a range of guided tours and activities, including birdwatching walks, pond dipping sessions and family-friendly events. These guided experiences provide valuable insights into the ecology of the wetlands and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them.




The WWT plays a crucial role in protecting and restoring wetland habitats, while also raising awareness about the importance of these ecosystems. The centre undertakes a range of conservation projects, including habitat management, species monitoring, and captive breeding programs. These efforts help to safeguard the future of the reserve's unique wildlife.
As for facilities, there is a visitor centre which provides a wealth of information about the reserve and its wildlife. Interactive exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and a well-stocked shop offer visitors a chance to learn more about the wetlands. There is also a café and toilets for the all important teas and wees!




For more information about opening hours and prices etc, head over to their website at WWT Caerlaverock

Get 3 points if you have visited this place. Already visited by 10 VIPs.
Login to the VIP area to add places to your bucket list, mark them as visited and more importantly see where you rank on the league table.
How To Find Caerlaverock Wetland Centre
Where Is Caerlaverock Wetland Centre?
Lat / Long
54.976318, -3.4836718
What three words
Where To Park For Caerlaverock Wetland Centre?
Lat / Long
54.976456, -3.484734
What three words
There is dedicated parking on site.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
More Places from Sandra
More Places In Dumfries And Galloway
Find more fabulous places in Dumfries And Galloway, Scotland and if you know of a place we haven't listed, then let us know.

Caerlaverock Castle
Castle Dumfries And Galloway ScotlandA substantial and imposing 13th century ruin of a new castle sits in contrast with the modest footprint of an old castle.

Bellymack Farm Red Kite Feeding Station
Landscape Dumfries And Galloway ScotlandA Red Kite Feeding Station set up on a Farm.

Bruce's Stone
Landmark Dumfries And Galloway ScotlandStone commemorating Robert the Bruce's first victory over an English army in 1307.
More Landscapes
So this landscape wasn't enough and you want more? Don't worry we have you covered.

Northumberlandia
Landscape Cramlington NorthumberlandNorthumberlandia is a unique landform sculpture near Cramlington, opened by Princess Anne in 2012.

South Marine Park
Landscape South Shields Tyne And WearA Victorian Public Park on South Shields seafront that is part of a 4km chain of parks.

Chase Park
Landscape Whickham Tyne And WearSmall park in the heart of Whickham, home to Whickham Windmill.
Never Miss A Fabulous Place
If you are afraid of missing out on all the fabulous places we post, or just want to be the first to know, then sign up to the Fabulous North.
Each week we will email you all the brand new places that we visit.
Sign Up To AlertsFind Us On Facebook
We post all our new places daily on our Facebook Groups page, so join the group today and be notified when we add a new place.
Join Our Facebook GroupCaerlaverock Wetland Centre was listed in Landscape // Scotland // Dumfries And Galloway