Visit the region’s four National Nature Reserves
Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve
Cairnsmore National Nature Reserve
Silver Flowe National Nature Reserve
Kirkconnell Flow National Nature Reserve
Take a walk around one of the four National Nature Reserves to enjoy wide, open spaces full of birds, wildflowers and even the rare natterjack toads.
Explore the four National Nature Reserves (NNR) and you’ll find some of the wildest and most threatened habitats. These dramatic scenic spots will take your breath away as you gaze out across the beautiful landscapes, which are full of curious creatures and rare wildlife.
The wide, open landscape of Caerlaverock NNR stretches into the Solway Firth, and is a beautiful visual blend of swirling blues and greys. The mudflats and saltmarsh provide a popular winter home for birds like barnacle geese, bar tailed godwits and knots. Arrive at dusk in early summer and you’ll be able to listen to the rare eerie chorus of the natterjack toads, which breed in ponds here and croak for attention as they attempt to attract a mate.
Take a peaceful stroll around Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR, one of the wildest places in south west Scotland and a paradise for walkers. There are wide ranging views and a patchwork of muted colours from the low growing vegetation on the cold nutrient-poor soil. Walk along the old railway track in spring to see the area sprinkled with wildflowers and look out for young wild goat kids. You’ll also see many different plants, with bright pink petalled ragged robin and brilliant yellow bird’s foot trefoil. Look out for the many sculptures throughout the reserve, from the works of Matt Baker, inspired by the unique character of this spot, and the poems and prints of Silvana McLean on display in the visitor centre.
One of the most threatened habitats in the world, Kirkconnell Flow NNR is five miles south of Dumfries. Follow the Butterfly Walk and keep your eyes peeled for the green hairstreak, orange tip, red admiral, comma and peacock butterflies. The sodden surface of the bog here is a colourful mixture of green, purple and red with Sphagnum mosses and wet-loving plants. You might see adders basking in the summer sun or common lizards darting around.
Silver Flowe NNR can be wet and fragile so take care on this complex spot, made up of seven peat bogs squeezed into the floor of this glen. From the top of nearby Craigeazle or Corserine hills, you can gaze out over the silvery pools as the sunlight bounces off the small mossy domes.
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