Dumfriesshire

Dumfriesshire is located in the beautiful South of Scotland. The Dumfriesshire hills are rounded with steep-sided valleys. Across the whole county are large areas of commercial forestry, which provide a valuable habitat for crossbills, goshawks and around a fifth of the red squirrels found in Scotland. Heather moor land in the hills is often managed for grouse shooting and provides nesting sites for waders and birds of prey. A mix of oak, ash and elm forms attractive stands of native woodland in many of the upland valleys.

For the visitor, there is much to explore. The natural gateway to Dumfries and Scotland is the infamous and romantic Gretna Green, right on the border from England into Scotland. Gretna and Gretna Green are known the world over for weddings, shotgun and otherwise and a visit here allows you to soak up the history of runaway marriages and witness some contemporary ones at the registrar's office or local marriage rooms. But don’t just stop at Gretna, the entire region is ideal for walking, cycling, fishing, wildfowling, golf, gardens, and naturally beautiful countryside. The Gretna area and Dumfries are rich in history and colourful characters, including Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns.

Here in the county of Dumfriesshire you can also enjoy The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in Caerlaverock. With 1,400 acres of nature reserve, there is plenty to see and do. From October to April, thousands of wild geese, swans and other birds can be seen from comfortable hides and observation towers. In summer, nature trails meander through flower meadows alive with wildlife. Friendly wardens provide information and assistance. The number of Barnacle Geese that fly from Norway to the banks of the Solway Firth each year are a sign of the quality of the wetlands at Caerlaverlock. This is simply a must for any lover of birds and their wild habitats.