Biodiversity

Wildlife watchers attending the Scottish Wildlife Trusts's Bats & Glow-worms walk on Friday 11 July at Kissock Forest (near Beeswing) were treated to a wonderful nature spectacle with at least 13 female Glow Worms lighting up the forest rides.

The latest editions of two biodiversity related newsletters are now available.

Gardeners and wildlife watchers are being asked to keep a look out for a rare blue butterfly this month. The Holly Blue is a striking species which is relatively common throughout much of England but is rare in Scotland.

A new local group promoting the study and conservation of the region's native amphibians and reptiles will be established at a meeting next month. WWT Caerlaverock will host the evening meeting on 14 May to discuss the formation of a group to further the conservation of this overlooked and often misunderstood group of animals.

As the milder weather sets in and frogs deposit millions of blobs of frogspawn in ponds around the country, Froglife is advising that the public do not donate their frogspawn to other gardeners.

A new booklet about the best places to see wildlife in Dumfries and Galloway is now available. 'Welcome to Wildlife in Dumfries & Galloway' is a free, fully illustrated 24 page booklet which aims to give local people and visitors an introduction to the wildlife of Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway Council are currently consulting on proposed revisions to the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). Now is time for you to have your say and input to this process by viewing the proposed revised plan and submitting your comments.

An exciting new project celebrating the regions woodlands and their wildlife will be launched by DGERC later this year.

The leaflet publicising the spring 2008 Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival is now available. With over 40 events planned around the Easter period, the programme gives an excellent opportunity for anyone, from beginners to experienced wildlife watchers, to experience and learn a little more about our local wildlife.

An rare adult Red-breasted Goose was seen feeding at the Caerlaverock WWT reserve with a flock of Barnacle Geese yesterday morning.