TIDELINES Newsletter of the Solway Firth Partnership • Issue 32 • Winter/Spring 2009/10
INSIDE… • Solway Firth Partnership Conference 09 • Seasearch in Luce Bay • More renewable energy in the Solway?
. . . and lots more Contents Page 3 Chairman’s Column n Learn something new at the he past few months have been particularly Sulwath Centre ______Tinteresting for the Partnership with key milestones Page 4 in development of both the UK Marine & Coastal n Marine renewable energy Access Bill and the Scottish Marine Bill. We have done proposals for the Solway ______everything we possibly can to ensure that the needs Page 5 of the local area are adequately taken into account n Sulewath, the Solway Wetlands and that we get a well integrated system of marine Landscape Partnership n Richard Lochhead and SSACN planning and management which properly addresses launch sea angling study at the challenges presented by our unique cross border Drummore situation. We are very pleased that our views have been
______© Crichton Development Company Gordon Mann, OBE heard by both the UK Government and the Scottish Page 6 SFP Chairman n The Marine Bills: A Single Parliament and are confident that outcomes have been Planning Process for the Solway achieved which support holistic management of the Firth ______Solway Firth as a whole. Page 7 Thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts including our board of n Salmon to benefit from planned trustees, members, partners and colleagues. Thanks are also due to many of our improved water flows in the Kircudbrightshire Dee local MPs and MSPs, particularly Russell Brown MP, Eric Martlew MP, David Mundell ______MP and Elaine Murray MSP. With the framework of the Marine Bills now largely in Page 8 place we look forward to enactment during the coming months and to the ongoing n Dumfries and Galloway Catchment management initiative process of supporting integration between interests around the Firth which is our ______primary function. Page 9 Meanwhile, other areas of work have not been neglected and the Partnership n SSACN’ s Sharkatag attracts sea anglers from all over UK was delighted to host a Solway Firth European Marine Site seminar in Carlisle n Closing the net on illegal fishing in September. Excellent presentations from Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural ______England, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Tullie House Museum, the Wildfowl and Page 10 Wetlands Trust and Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty set the scene n Seasearch off the beaten track in Luce Bay for debate which covered the collection and management of biological data, raising ______awareness and understanding of the site designations, considering principal impacts Page 11 on key habitats and species and, critically, identifying actions which can support n Seasearch – helping to record the underwater environment good management of the area. Several potential projects are being explored as n Divers urged to search for a direct result of this event and we look forward to bringing you more news on crawfish – but not for eating! ______progress in future editions of Tidelines. Page 12-13 We have also been busy organising our annual conference and AGM which, this n Port of Silloth 150th Anniversary year, will take place at the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries on Friday 20th November. We celebrations ______are delighted that Eric Robson has agreed to make a space in his busy schedule to Page 13 give the keynote address. Eric will be well known to many of you in various guises n Environment Fair including his roles as TV and radio presenter, as well as being Chairman of Cumbria n Dumfries & Galloway Tourism and local resident. With a packed and varied programme in store, including Wildlife Festival n Help to monitor non-native the launch of the Solway Energy Gateway Feasibility Study, we are anticipating a marine species in UK seas. lively and informative event. I look forward to seeing many of you there. ______Page 14 n World Oceans Week 2009 Gordon Mann OBE ______Chairman, Solway Firth Partnership Page 15 n Solway Firth Partnership annual Conference 2009 ______Front cover: Edible periwinkle by Laurie Campbell. Page 16 Laurie is one of Scotland’s leading natural history and landscape photographers. He began n Join the Wild Goose Chase 2010 across Dumfries and Galloway! photographing wildlife in 1972, and later studied ______photography at Napier University in Edinburgh, and Page 18-19 has since worked almost exclusively in Scotland, n Dates for your Diary travelling from his Borders home to all parts of the ______country. For more information see www.lauriecampbell.com
Learn something new at the Sulwath Centre Ella McLellan, Mersehead RSPB Reserve
What was the last thing you learned?
Take a moment to think about it. My guess is that Sulwath Centre was opened in April 2009 to promote you will come across something new that you have lifelong learning, and has been created thanks to support learned in the last month, week or even today. from many organisations including Sulwath Connections, Solway Heritage, Leader+ and The Robertson Trust . Located Perhaps it was simply a new recipe? Something in the heart of Mersehead RSPB Nature Reserve, the Centre you saw on television, the words to a new song or incorporates education and training rooms, reception and the reason your car was making that funny noise. office facilities, as well as providing accommodation for Maybe you learned something harder to quantify, residential volunteers and field studies students. The Centre has many green credentials, including a wood pellet boiler the value of taking time out, the importance of and solar thermal panels. friendship, the way the light reflects on the sea at The surrounding land is being transformed into wildlife dusk, the simple beauty of a golden autumn leaf gardens for particular use by visiting school children, and the or just how good a cup of tea tastes after a hard old tennis court is developing into an all access sensory garden day’s work? Eartha Kitt famously once said “I am for mixed abilities, including raised ponds and planters for learning all the time. The tombstone will be my wheelchair users. RSPB Mersehead have a free education diploma”. programme for primary schools, a popular residential volunteers scheme and superb meeting facilities for interested local groups. t the Mersehead RSPB reserve, near Southwick on the ASolway Coast, a new centre has been opened, one So next time you want to inspire someone to learn, or learn that aims to promote learning in the broadest sense, for something new yourself, perhaps you or your group might everyone. Converted from a nineteenth century farmhouse, come and visit RSPB Mersehead. Find out more about our the Sulwath Centre has been designed to enable and facilitate reserve and the Sulwath Centre online at www.rspb.org.uk/ learning for all, regardless of age, ability or finances. Schools, reserves/guide/m/mersehead/index.asp, or simply type ‘RSPB colleges, community groups, adult learners, conservation Mersehead’ into any search engine. Or you can call us on groups, residential volunteers, special needs groups, artists, 01387 780579 or 01387 780298. photographers and poets have already been using the fantastic new facilities it provides. Top Right: Boots outside the Sulwath Centre. Photo by Ella McLellan Named after the historical name for the Solway, The Top Left: Inside the Sulwath Centre looking out. Photo by Ella McLellan
Marine renewable energy proposals for the Solway
As global fossil fuel supplies dwindle, and UK and Scottish Governments commit to dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the next 10 years, the market for clean, renewable energy is increasing rapidly.
ith its prevailing south westerly being decommissioned. An article facilitate the passage of information Wwinds and one of the highest on a proposed barrage and tidal between its members, the people of the tidal ranges in the UK, the Solway energy scheme was written by Nigel Solway, stakeholders, interest groups, Firth has the potential to generate a Catterson of Nb21c and printed in and the Solway Energy Gateway project significant amount of renewable power issue 31, the Summer/Autumn 2009 teams. to help meet the UK’s target of 15% of edition, of Tidelines (see the downloads One of the key aims of the SEG is to keep its energy requirement from renewable page of our web site for a pdf copy the public informed of developments in energy sources by 2020. The Solway is of Tidelines). Any decisions made the project, and up-to-date information already home to the Robin Rigg wind regarding the choice of technology will is available on the SEG web site at www. farm, with a possibility of further wind be assessed against its environmental solwayenergygateway.co.uk. The initial farm developments in the future. And impact on one of the most highly findings of the feasibility study will also with an average tidal range of 5.5 designated and protected regions in the be presented at the Partnership’s Annual metres, the highest in the UK after UK. Conference in November - please see our the river Severn, the Solway is also a This meeting was also the inaugural web site at www.solwayfirthpartnership. potential source of renewable marine meeting of the Project Review group co.uk for more information. energy. which comprises representatives of the The Solway Energy Gateway (SEG) is North West Regional Development · The UK Government has a statutory a new organisation which has been Agency, Scottish Enterprise and the target to reduce CO2 emissions by at established to investigate the feasibility Nuclear Decommissioning Agency who least 26% (compared to 1990) by 2020. of marine renewable energy production together have provided £100,000 to · The UK Government is aiming for through the Solway’s vast tidal energy, fund the feasibility project; Halcrow, renewable energy forming more than and the Solway Energy Gateway who will carry out the feasibility study 30% of electricity, 12% of heat and Feasibility Project held its first meeting in a consortium with Mott MacDonald, 10% of transport energy demands by on 10th July at the Northwest Regional an engineering and development 2020 Development Agency in Warrington. consultancy, and RSK Environment Ltd · The Scottish Government has a A wide range of marine energy who will undertake the environmental statutory target to reduce Scotland’s technology options are currently being work; Envirolink Northwest who aid CO2 emissions by at least 80% by discussed by the Group including a tidal the development and growth of the 2050, with an interim target of at least barrage from Bowness-on-Solway on energy and environmental technologies 42% emissions reductions by 2020. the Cumbrian coast across to Annan on and services sector in the north west of the Dumfries and Galloway coast. The England; Nb21c who was responsible · The Scottish Government is aiming for power generated by this scheme for the conception, development 50% of Scottish demand for electricity could then be fed into the national and promotion of the Solway Energy to be met from renewable sources by grid through the nearby Chapelcross Gateway; and Solway Firth Partnership 2020, with a milestone of 31% by 2011 nuclear power station, which is currently whose role in the Project will be to
Sulewath; The Solway Richard Lochhead Wetlands Landscape and SSACN launch Marine renewable Partnership sea angling study he Solway Wetland’s Group, Tcomprising a partnership at Drummore energy proposals of Natural England, Solway Coast AONB, RSPB, the NFU Government sponsored (representing local farmers), Astudy into the value Environment Agency, Cumbria of Scottish sea angling Tourism and local community undertaken by Glasgow organisations, is preparing a bid Caledonian University was for the Solway Intermediate sundew found in the Solway for Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) released on 29th July 2009, wetlands. Photo by Rose Wolfe Landscape Partnership funding as and shows that Scottish a First Round Application in November 2009. sea angling is worth more The objective of the work is to enhance, protect and promote than £140 million a year to wetland habitat development in the South Solway, involving the Scottish economy. And the local community in a range of interlinked projects according to the study, in intended to maximise the Solway’s capacity for carbon Dumfries and Galloway sea storage, as well as provide a resource for local communities angling supports over 500 and encourage new visitors and investment. jobs and contributes more General Project Development contained within the integrated than £25 million each year vision of the Partnership is intended to include: across a broad spectrum of Cabinet Minister Richard Lochhead businesses, 97% of which catches a pollock in Luce Bay (photo 1. Extension of existing wetland areas in cooperation with courtesy The Herald) local landowners through ground breaking pilot initiatives. is directly associated with touring anglers who spend 2. Consolidation of the existing mire communities through Following the meeting, Mr over 230,000 days fishing in habitat regeneration and nutrient controls. Lochhead said: “This ground the region and who provide breaking report shows that 3. Provision of new access and interpretative facilities for income to a broad variety of the popular sport of sea visitors involving participation in development by local suppliers, especially those in schools and community groups. angling lands thousands of the accommodation, food jobs and millions of pounds 4. Encouragement of exploration, through sustainable and drink, boat and angling for Scotland,” and continued means, of wetland environments, as a tool towards supply sectors. enhancing popular understanding of climate change “The potential for further processes and the huge role played (locally and globally) The study report, Economic development is huge and by wetlands in carbon sequestration. Impact of Recreational Sea the next step must be to set Angling in Scotland, was up a group to take forward A paper was commissioned by Natural England on behalf of released at a meeting in the a development strategy.” the group to more closely identify the key individual projects Clashwhannan in Drummore, SSACN understands the group and their locations, indicate appropriate mechanisms and programmes, and identify active local partners that would Dumfries and Galloway, is expected to comprise sea participate in the bid and development processes. If the HLF where Richard Lochhead, angling representative bodies, bid is successful, the Solway Wetlands Landscape Partnership Cabinet Secretary for Rural local authorities, tourist envisage that the programme of works which will result will Affairs and the Environment, agencies, marine scientists provide not only a best practice example of new working met with representatives and other representative within a rapidly changing and challenging situation of of the Scottish Sea Angling bodies, and will be tasked advancing climate change, but will make a substantial new Conservation Network with delivering a strategic contribution to the economic and cultural life of a beautiful (SSACN), local politicians and plan before the next Holyrood (if little appreciated beyond its boundaries), historic and business leaders. election. ecologically valuable landscape area. One of the highlights of the SSACN would like to thank all Rose Wolfe, AONB Unit, Silloth day was when Mr Lochhead those who actively supported Sulewath: from the Norse meaning the ford at the mouth of went for a short fishing trip the Study and provided input the River Esk on board SSACN’s Project to the survey. Director Ian Burrett’s boat The report Technical – for a start he really enjoyed Report: Economic Impact of it, then perhaps surprised Recreational Sea Angling in himself by catching some Scotland is available on-line pollock, but was then even at www.scotland.gov.uk/ more surprised when Ian Publications/2009/07/ told him that they had to 31154700/0 go back, as Ian’s boats only fish ‘catch and return’ – now Taken from SSACN press that’s sustainable fishing! release
AONB Rangers lead a guided walk on Campfield marshes. Photo by Rose Wolfe The Marine Bills: A Single Planning Process for the Solway Firth
There have been important developments in recent months regarding integration of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill and the Marine (Scotland) Bill on the Solway Firth. Local MPs, MSPs, Solway Firth Partnership board of trustees, members, partners, colleagues and staff have all worked extremely hard to highlight the unique local situation and the need for a tailored approach to implementation of the Marine Bills to ensure effective cross border management of the area.
n June, Solway Firth protecting the marine Partnership Board members, plans as a single document IPartnership was delighted environment and the wildlife representatives of a range with an explanation of to assist with a visit of the dependent on it.” of organisations and local the way in which they Scottish Parliament’s Rural people attended to find out integrate in order to present The Rural Affairs and Affairs and Environment more and express their views. a seamless approach to Environment Committee Committee as part of their marine spatial planning Report was published on 8th scrutiny of the Marine Russell Brown MP, David for the Solway Firth within October and Elaine Murray (Scotland) Bill. Members Mundell MP and Eric Martlew the context of a Marine MSP, a member of the of the Committee visited MP signed a joint letter Policy Statement. Steps are Committee, said: Mersehead RSPB Reserve to Huw Irranca Davies MP, now underway to ensure Minister for the Marine and met with local people “The Committee report states there is wider endorsement and Natural Environment, involved in the management that the case for treating the of this approach which is supporting a single planning of the Solway Firth to Solway Firth, as much as is expected to be formalised in approach for the Solway hear first-hand about the practicable, as a single area a Concordat between the UK Firth. Scottish Coastal challenges and opportunities for marine planning purposes Government and the Scottish Forum, North West Coastal the area faces. Later in is clear. The Committee Parliament. Forum, Solway Coast Area the day, the Committee recognises that the Marine of Outstanding Natural UK and Scottish Marine held its first ever meeting (Scotland) Bill cannot, of Beauty Joint Advisory Bills will undergo final in Kirkcudbright to gather itself, produce a solution. Committee, local authorities, parliamentary scrutiny over evidence from witnesses There should be action at a organisations and individuals the coming weeks and including Solway Firth UK level too and we hope on both sides of the Solway are expected to become Partnership, Scottish that the UK Bill will not be also submitted letters Acts during the course Renewables and the British enacted in such a way as to seeking assurance of a well of this winter. Both Bills Ports Association. Committee place obstacles in the way integrated approach to cross aim to achieve sustainable Convener Maureen Watt said: of effective cross-border border marine planning and management of the marine working in the Solway area.” “People living around the management. environment balancing Solway Firth know that it As part of a sustained protection of landscape On 15th October, Huw is a precious resource. It is campaign to raise awareness and wildlife with demand Irranca Davies MP, Minister crucial to ensure that it is and understanding of for development and use for the Marine and Natural well-managed in the years issues and opportunities of the sea and are strongly Environment, Russell Brown to come. That is what our associated with enactment welcomed by a wide range MP, members of the Defra scrutiny of this legislation of the Marine Bills, Solway of organisations including Marine Bill team and Solway is intended to achieve, and Firth Partnership held an Solway Firth Partnership. Firth Partnership met in exploring practical issues open event at Tullie House Westminster. The meeting Solway Firth Partnership about marine management in Carlisle on 9th October was very positive and while would like to thank everyone with local people is a where south west Scotland the legal position requires who has played a part in vital part of the scrutiny MPs Russell Brown and two plans for the Solway, helping to ensure that the process. Our discussions David Mundell, and Carlisle agreement has been reached needs of the local area are focused on locally important MP, Eric Martlew, joined that there should be a single fully taken into account at issues including the impact forces to express support planning process including a time when the scene has of offshore renewable for a single marine planning Solway-wide stakeholder been set for marine planning developments, sustainable approach for the Solway consultation. Other points and management for many fishing, cross border issues Firth. Elaine Murray MSP, under discussion included years to come. and the importance of local Councillors, Solway Firth the opportunity to publish
Salmon to benefit from planned improved water flows in the Kircudbrightshire Dee
he Kirkcudbrightshire Dee is Tthe second largest river system in Dumfries and Galloway with a catchment covering 1020 km2. It was well known in the past as supporting excellent numbers of salmon and serviced a healthy rod and net fishery. The Dee has a long history of aggressive exploitation, of serious predation and of anthropogenic impact. These problems have combined to significantly reduce the salmon runs entering the river to only around 1000 fish a year (recorded accurately by a VAKI fish counter on Tongland Fish Ladder).
More information The Galloway hydro-electric scheme consultation prior to making any (which dates from the 1929 Galloway decision on possible changes. on Marine Bills Act) changed the character and hydrology of the river system The proposed work includes: dramatically. Impacts on fish migration · Optimising water flows to benefit You can follow the progress (both upstream & downstream) and all river and water bodies associated of the Scottish Bill at www. river flows have been particularly with Galloway hydro scheme in three scottish.parliament.uk/s3/ damaging. stages with key dates of 2015, 2021 bills/25-MarineScot/index. In 2007 the Galloway Fisheries Trust and 2027. htm, and the UK Marine and (GFT) and The Carnie Consultancy · Release a compensation flow and Coastal Access Bill at www. produced a 5 year Salmon Fishery Plan parliament.uk/business/bills_ install a fish pass on the Pullaugh for the Dee District Salmon Fishery Burn (presently water abstraction and_legislation.cfm. For the Board (DDSFB) and ScottishPower dries out the lower 1300 metres of most up to date information, (SP). This plan examined closely the burn). including the text of the the various problems threatening UK Marine and Coastal the salmon populations and listed · Significantly increase the Access Bill see www.defra. recommendations of work required compensation flow in the Black gov.uk/marine/legislation/ to return fish stocks back to historical Water of Dee downstream of index.htm. For a useful healthy numbers. Clatteringshaws Reservoir (this will comparison between the UK improve the suitability of over 9000 Exciting new proposals have recently metres of the Black Water for fish) and Scottish Bills visit http:// been suggested by SP which will www.scottish.parliament.uk/ help take forward many of the main · Significantly increase river flows business/research/briefings- recommendations of the Dee salmon between Tongland Dam and the sea 09/SB09-59.pdf. Links to plan. The proposed work, which (this will help adult salmon to get Marine Bill updates can be will help SP to meet the EU Water into the river and reduce predation found on the Solway Firth Framework Directive objectives and and poaching problems). Partnership website at www. other recent Fisheries Management · Modifying the flow below Loch Doon solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk works can be found at the following to provide a more variable flow that websites http://www.spenergywholesale. replicates seasonal weather patterns Photos Left Page: com/userfiles/file/GallowayWFD.pdf and Left: The Scottish Parliament and natural conditions. Rural Affairs and Environment http://www.spenergywholesale. · Increase compensation flow below Committee visiting the Solway com/userfiles/file/ Earlstoun and Carsfad dams (this in June. Gallowayfisheriesmanagement.pdf would create more suitable nursery The DDSFB and GFT are very supportive salmon habitat below the dams. Centre: David Mundell MP of the suggested proposals for the Dee · Investigate the possibility of fitting signing the joint letter at his believing they will result in significant office in Dumfries. a fish pass at Kendoon reservoir improvements for the river’s salmon. (this would allow spawning salmon Right: Eric Martlew MP and To undertake the substantial targeted to access the extensive headwater Russell Brown MP (seated) improvements listed below, SP plan areas of the Water of Deugh / upper signing a joint letter of support to vary the present flow arrangement Water of Ken and all their associated for a single planning approach from the Galloway Hydros which tributaries). for the Solway Firth; Elaine discharges down both the Dee and Murray MSP and Gordon Mann, Doon rivers. Concerns have been raised These proposals would greatly improve Chairman of Solway Firth by Doon fishery interests regarding any instream habitats for a range of fish Partnership (standing). Cast of reduction in flows down their river. species on the Dee, especially salmon a loggerhead turtle recently Ultimately SEPA will decide whether and are firmly supported by the GFT and washed ashore at Silloth kindly the SP proposals are acceptable and will DDSFB. provided by Tullie House deliver overall ecological benefits. SEPA Jamie Ribbens, Galloway Fisheries Trust Museum and Art Gallery. will undertake a period of statutory
Dumfries and Galloway Catchment Management Initiative working in partnership to deliver conservation projects
he Dumfries and Galloway Catchment Management Working Towards Best Practice TInitiative began in 2000 as a pilot project with the aim Dee-Ken catchment of delivering the objectives contained within the wetland Phase I of this project section of the Dumfries and Galloway Local Biodiversity provided open days on a Action Plan. Since then the Initiative has published catchment number of selected farms to showcase best management management plans for the Annan, Dee-Ken and Nith river practice for farmland birds, catchments. hedgerows, wetlands and sustainable farm drainage Since their publication, the Initiative has been engaged systems. Phase II took things in partnership working to create and deliver projects that a step further by encouraging address some of the actions identified in the catchment landowners/farmers to have phase 1 vegetations surveys and management plans. It is only by successfully engaging FWAG farm biodiversity audits carried out. A wetlands and river users, landowners and stakeholders that sustainable wildlife best practice leaflet was also produced and distributed improvements can be made that deliver water quality and to all farms in the catchment. The project was awarded the habitat improvements at a catchment scale. “Caring for the Environment” Leader+ Rural Award for 2007.
Whitesands Interpretation Project Non-native Invasive Species Project Nith Catchment Across D&G The River Nith flows through Japanese knotweed, giant Dumfries town centre hogweed and Himalayan at an area known as the balsam have aggressively Whitesands. The river here colonised many catchments is ecologically rich but anti- in Dumfries & Galloway. social behaviour has led to Phase I of this project set out problems with litter and to map the extent of these over time this has created species on the Rivers Annan a negative public image. and Nith. A leaflet for each This project sought to draw catchment was produced to people’s attention to the positive aspects of the River Nith by raise awareness of the problems caused and the Catchment erecting interpretation boards providing information about Management Initiative is now working with fishery boards and its rich and diverse wildlife. The project was undertaken in trusts across D&G to implement phase II of the project, which partnership with the River Nith Society and funding was will seek to vastly reduce the extent of these species over a 5 provided by Dumfries and Galloway Council, SEPA and SNH. year period.
Fishing for Knowledge River Annan water vole and mink trapping Across D&G project This innovative project, Annan Catchment which began in May this This project has the dual year, introduces children aims of reducing the and young people between mink population through the ages of 4 and 12 to the a co-ordinated trapping freshwater environment. A programme, whilst collecting series of training sessions valuable information about are delivered in the class water vole populations. The room and on the local river project is a partnership with providing education about the Annan District Salmon freshwater ecology, health & Fishery Board. The project safety and fishing. The sessions culminate in a 2 hour fishing utilises the Game & Wildfowl Conservation Trust’s mink raft, session which gives children the opportunity to take up which incorporates a clay pad to monitor the paw prints of angling as a hobby. The project is running over 3 years and 10 animals visiting the raft. The project has trapped in excess of primary schools each year are being given the opportunity to 60 mink during 2009 and discovered 4 previously unrecorded participate. The project was undertaken in partnership with water vole populations. Solway Heritage, Fishery Management Organisations and Borderlines. Funding was provided by LEADER, SNH and SEPA. Paul Sutherland, Catchment Initiative Specialist, SEPA
The D&G Catchment Management Initiative is jointly sponsored by
Closing the net on illegal fishing
he greatest shark tagging event ction has been taken recently to Tever held in Scotland, the UK, Aclamp down on illegal netting and probably in the world – that activity on the north Solway coast. The was the overall verdict of those nets are set to catch bass which provide who took part in the Sharkatag in good eating and have a high market June this summer, organised by the value. Catching and selling these fish Scottish Sea Angling Conservation legally is fine, but problems are arising Network (www.ssacn.org). from the use of illegal gill nets. These nets are often set close to river mouths The Sharkatag, one of the many events and, as well as catching bass, intercept of World Oceans Week 2009, was other species including salmon and sea centred around Luce Bay. 215 anglers trout. of all ages and abilities attended the event, coming from as far away as Jamie Ribbens of Galloway Fisheries Cornwall and Caithness, and fishing Trust says, “We’ve been concerned from boats, kayaks and the shore to about this issue for some time. These catch, tag and release various shark illegal nets are killing many threatened species. The event had three goals fish species which is such a waste. We’re - to highlight the perilous state of delighted by the way Marine Scotland endangered shark species; to start A Spokesman for SSACN said “for Compliance, Galloway Fisheries Trust gathering some of the data to support decades, governments and fisheries and all the Salmon Fishery Boards across claims for their protection; and to managers have made decisions the region have pulled together to continue to press politicians to recognise regarding exploitation by the catching combat this illegal activity. Populations the needs of the sea angling community sector without the full knowledge of of salmon and sea trout are a concern and its contribution to the Scottish the state of fish stocks and the marine and we need to do everything we can economy. environment.” He went on to explain to protect existing stocks.” that effective fisheries management The SSACN project team who put the is often hampered by ‘an insufficiency Solway Firth Partnership has acted as event together were totally blown of data’. To help overcome that a catalyst in getting action underway away by the response and support insufficiency, the information gathered and has been in a unique position received from anglers, local hoteliers, during Sharkatag will feed into SSACN’s to highlight the sharp contrast in shops, caravan parks and local skippers, Scottish Shark Tagging Programme (SSTP approaches to regulation of netting on as well as the kind words and support - www.tagsharks.com) which has been the north and south sides of the Solway. given by local people, and messages of introduced to act as a central clearing Pam Taylor of Solway Firth Partnership support continued to arrive following point for all data regarding shark, skate says, “Netting is a traditional and the nationwide TV, radio, internet and and ray stocks in Scottish coastal waters. legitimate use of the Solway. What we written media attention. are concerned about are illegal nets He continued “Without regeneration, – these include monofilament nets, nets However, although the social side not only will Scotland’s marine directly affecting migratory fish and nets was fantastic, the fishing was less so. biodiversity lose more species, but the which pose a hazard to navigation.” Ian Burrett, SSACN’s Project Director, huge annual income which sea angling said “Around two hundred tope, contributes to the Scottish and Solway Gregor McKenzie of Marine Scotland smoothhound and bull huss were economies will also suffer badly. With Compliance says, “Helicopter and foot tagged over the three days - and that a little political will and some proactive patrols have been carried out from can only be described as poor compared measures, the biodiversity losses could the inner Solway Firth to Luce Bay as to what the total should have been.” be halted and the Solway could become a result of the reports we’ve received. Ian continued “the fish caught were a European centre of excellence for sea Equipment has been taken in these mostly immature females, typically angling.” operations and we will be maintaining under 20 pounds, and a few solitary an increased level of surveillance in females in the 50-60 pound range; Registered taggers will continue the the area in future. We have also been Luce Bay was especially poor for the work year round on targeted species, visiting hotels and other outlets to time of year. Combined with the lack but the next SSACN-organised major remind owners of the laws governing of rays tagged - only three throughout tagging event will be the annual the buying and selling of fish. If you Sharkatag - it shows how urgently spurdog ‘Tagathon’ on 14th and 15th would like more information about plans are needed to help protect and November in the waters around Loch any of these issues, or if you see a net regenerate the stocks. Twenty year Sunart and the Sound of Mull. Visit which you suspect may be illegal please ago virtually every boat would have www.ssacn.org/spurdog-tagathon for contact us on 0845 270 3990.” recorded several mature tope and rays.” more information.
Taken from SSACN press release
Seasearch off the beaten track in Luce Bay
Calum Duncan, MCS Scottish Conservation Manager, Seasearch Scotland Co-ordinator
alum recently provided a Seasearch few of us dived a shallow sunlit site is all about, recording remoter sites Ctraining weekend and follow-up luxuriant with seaweed, sheltering small because they are there. dives for Newton Stewart Sub Aqua wrasse and snake pipefish. A chunky We only just scratched the surface in Club (NSSAC), with the aim of obtaining lone barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma Luce Bay, and there is so much more to and recording data on the underwater octopus), silhouetted against the discover and record, including historic marine life of Luce Bay. The training was westering sun, drifting serenely by and accounts of maerl in the outer bay. Luce organised by Solway Firth Partnership a swarm of sea gooseberries refracting Bay undoubtedly contains some great and generously funded by Scottish tiny rainbows in the surface waters diving, but question marks remain about Natural Heritage. ended a dream diving day. To cap it how human activities are impacting upon all, the club had pitched tents and got Calum describes how the diving it. I look forward to future collaboration a barbecue going at the Port William went...... to help the club become local Seasearch campsite – rarely has a beer and burger experts for their patch and help them Following the Seasearch Observation tasted so good! contribute toward managing this Course run for NSSAC in May, Solway Sunday dawned flat calm, sun glinting unique European marine Special Area Firth Partnership (SFP) invited me on the bay and the Scare rocks solid on of Conservation. The more we find out to return in June to help the club the horizon. After manning the stalls about our wild underwater landscapes, get Seasearch records for Luce Bay, in the World Oceans Day Celebration the more we can help protect them. a European Marine Site. Club lore marquee at Port William that included Have your say on where you would confirmed the weather rarely plays ball MCS, NSSAC and the Scottish Sea like to see protected by visiting www. and so most club diving is on known Anglers Conservation Network, who yourseasyourvoice.com. good dive sites sheltered in Wigtown were running their successful ‘Shark-a- Bay to the east. However, they gamely Many thanks to Jim, Phil, Frank, Mel and Tag’ event that weekend, the RIB set moved their RIB from its usual Isle of all at NSSAC for organising the diving, off for the ‘Scares’ as the mist closed Whithorn mooring to launch at Port towing the RIB and putting on a great in. Luckily it kept sufficient distance to William and were rewarded with calm barbecue, Pam and Sue at SFP and to allow safe diving, but added prehistoric seas during the final weekend of World SNH for supporting the weekend. atmosphere as the notorious rock islets Oceans Week. loomed into view. For general Seasearch enquiries in Thanks to the club’s experienced divers Scotland visit www.seasearch.org.uk, After appreciating the ancient hubbub and skippers, Saturday worked like contact Calum Duncan on 0131 226 6360 of roosting gannets, we dived over clockwork. Seven of us on the club RIB email [email protected] or write to tideswept rock and boulder reefs with planed in good conditions to outer Luce Marine Conservation Society, 3 Coates hornwrack, soft corals and one wall of Bay, the largest of its kind in Europe Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7AA. white Sagartia anemones, eventually so I’m told, and the wreck of the MV ascending into rich, dense kelp forests in Kelvinside, lying in 27 metres on clean Further information: the shallows, a clean amber canopy of tideswept shell and gravel seabed with www.mcsuk.org > what we do > MCS in leathery blades. Perhaps not as dramatic lush hornwrack and dahlia anemones. Scotland as the Kelvinside for some on board, but www.sesearch.org.uk Soft corals and plumose anemones clung undoubtedly wild and little explored! www.searchnbn.net to the wreck itself whilst shoals of bib www.marinereservesnow.org.uk and numerous wrasse added life and Back on the NSSAC RIB the general www.yourseasyourvoice.com motion to a scene resplendent through consensus was that the dive had been www.nsdivers.co.uk Newton Stewart 12 metres visibility. scenic but not as good as the previous Sub-Aqua Club day’s wreck dive. But the Scare rocks in Later that afternoon, a few hundred outer Luce Bay was my favourite of the www.lucebayandsandssac.co.uk Luce Bay metres off the Port William slipway, a weekend, encapsulating what Seasearch marine Special Area of Conservation 10 Divers urged to search for crawfish – but not for eating! easearch is urging divers throughout Britain and Ireland Sto be on the lookout for crawfish (sometimes known as crayfish or spiny lobster), on their dives. The crawfish is the largest crustacean in our waters and, whilst it used to be commonly seen in the waters around our coasts it has become increasingly rare due to overfishing. Unlike the lobster, which is much better known and still relatively common, the crawfish does not have the protection of large claws. This has made it very easy for divers to take for the pot. It also is more active than lobster, and large numbers have been taken by tangle netting. Because it is now so rare it has been put on the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan species list, Seasearch making it a priority for conservation. Seasearch wants divers to tell us where they are currently helping to record the seeing crawfish, how many they see and what size they are. This will help to build up a picture of current populations underwater environment in shallow waters and help us to identify hotspots where protection is needed. Recording is easy and results can be easearch is the largest organisation in Britain and entered online at www.seasearch.org.uk Ireland for recreational divers who want to do their bit S We will not be producing detailed maps for where to find for the marine environment, enabling them to contribute crawfish, which would be counter-productive, and we are to protecting marine wildlife through recording underwater urging divers who see them to record their presence and leave habitats and the plants and animals they support. Seasearch them there. As what is now a relatively rare species, divers offers training in marine recording, organises surveys of should not take crawfish even for their own consumption. species and habitats through dives and survey expeditions, and produces data and reports which are available for all In addition to getting an up to date picture of where crawfish to use. A busy programme of Seasearch diving, supported occur we are urging divers to look back though their old by SNH, has been co-ordinated by MCS in Scotland since logbooks and tell us where they have seen them in the past. 2000 which has resulted in many expeditions and courses The information can be entered online in exactly the same involving hundreds of divers returning over 1,500 records. way. These are all on the National Biodiversity Network. Seasearch is the largest organisation in Britain and Ireland for Seasearch is co-ordinated by the Marine Conservation recreational divers who want to do their bit for the marine Society on behalf of the Seasearch Steering Group which environment. Details of all Seasearch activities, including comprises the Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife Trusts, training courses and survey dives, can be found on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Natural England, Seasearch website at www.seasearch.org.uk Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service Northern Ireland, Environment Agency, Marine Biological Association, Nautical Archaeological Society, British Sub Aqua Club, Sub Aqua Association, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Scottish Sub Aqua Club, Irish Underwater Council and independent marine life experts.
Top Right: The underwater world in Luce Bay can be very beautiful and colourful. Photo by Jim Gibson
Top Left: Newton Stewart Sub-Aqua Club set out for their Seasearch dives. Photo by Allison McAllister
Crawfish, crayfish or spiny lobster – three names for one species! Photo courtesy of MCS
11 Port of Silloth 150th Anniversary Celebrations
Loading the Canon. Photo Chris Puxley
Crowds enjoying Silloth’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Photo Chris Puxley onday 3rd August 2009 was and the associated extensive railway Amusements, HM Coastguard, a Mthe 150th anniversary of the system as it was in the 1920s. The climbing wall manned by the Royal official opening of Silloth Dock and to two-week long exhibition was held at Navy careers team, a ‘Chris Jones’ commemorate this special event the the Solway Coast Discovery Centre in gyrocopter, a Police diving team boat, unveiling took place in the town of an Silloth, courtesy of the local AONB, a Carr’s Flour Mill, who had a cake intricately carved and suitably inscribed building that also doubles as the Silloth decorating challenge and also took large wooden plaque. The Silloth Dock, Tourism Information Centre. parties to view the Mill Museum, DA which at the opening ceremony was Harrison stevedores, Ray’s fresh Solway On Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th formally entitled “Marshall Dock”, shrimp stall, Bernard McCall Coastal August 2009, Silloth’s Harbour Master after the Cumberland MP who had Shipping books and Tim Hudson mini- opened up The Port of Silloth to the supported this great business venture, ship models, the RAF Association, John public. Several interesting vessels had was a new trading facility completed Stronach’s Ship Agency office exhibition, come to Silloth for the public to view in 1859 on the Cumberland shore of RNLI souvenirs and the Great North Air and go aboard. They included the the Solway Firth to provide a relatively Ambulance. heritage deep-sea trawler “Jacinta” deep-water port for the many, but from Fleetwood, the heritage tug An ‘Information & First Aid’ tent was at that time predominantly cotton “Brocklebank” from Liverpool Maritime manned by the Silloth 1st Responders. manufacturing, industries of the City of Museum, an offshore RNLI ‘Severn’ class Marshalling of the port area was Carlisle. lifeboat, the topsail schooner “Vilma”, provided by local volunteers and The plaque was unveiled by Mr Steven which acted out the part of a pirate managed by Resource Marketing Ltd. Broomhead, Chief Executive of the ship in several daily displays in New Within the outer Marshall Dock area, North West Development Agency. Local Dock with the re-enactment group of Silloth Inshore lifeboat, accompanied dignitaries and the general public pirates and buccaneers called “Pubcat”. by rescue craft from Maryport and the were invited to attend the unveiling Also attending were the UK Border River Nith, entertained the crowds with ceremony, hosted by the specially Agencies cutter “Sentinel”, the Solway various high-speed manoeuvres and formed ’Port of Silloth 150 Committee’. fisheries protection vessel “Solway rescue demonstrations. When tidal After the ceremony and speeches, Protector”, the Port of Workington tug conditions permitted, the dock gates to invited guests attended a reception at “Derwent”, a yacht from ‘Sailing for New Dock were opened and the rescue the Golf Hotel in Silloth. In due course, the Disabled’ and the cargo ships “Ben craft entered the New Dock briefly to it is anticipated that the plaque will be Ellan” and “Atlantica Hav”. The Carlisle parade before the appreciative crowds. displayed at the Solway Coast Discovery Model Boat Club had a display stall and Centre. demonstrated their working models on Aerial displays took place on both days the waters of the New Dock. Strolling between noon and 2pm, with an RN From Monday 3rd August until musicians, dancers and entertainers Seaking rescue helicopter on Saturday Sunday 16th August 2009, Harbour moved around the port and on to and an RAF Seaking rescue helicopter Master Captain Chris Puxley hosted Silloth Green throughout both days. on Sunday. Both initially landed on an exhibition of historic archives, Silloth Green for an hour, enabling photographs, charts, plans, artefacts, Surrounding the New Dock were the public to get up close to view the models, paintings and displays, all various stalls and displays, including aircraft. relating to The Port of Silloth. A central a small kiddies funfair and various focal point was a model of the docks food outlets courtesy of Fletcher The helicopters then lifted off at 1pm 12 Help to monitor non-native marine species in UK seas
arLIN, the Marine Life Information Network, collates Mand distributes information for marine environmental management, protection and education. It has just published a new booklet, An identification guide for selected non-native species, which can be downloaded from its web site at http://www. marlin.ac.uk/PDF/Aliens_IDguide.pdf.
There are around 65 established marine non-native species in UK waters, many found along coastlines and in estuaries, and also harbours and marinas. Non- native species have become established outside their native habitat, and pose a threat to marine biodiversity considered to be second only to habitat loss as they may out-compete The topsail schooner ‘Vilma’, Photo Chris Puxley Crowds enjoying Silloth’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Photo Chris Puxley indigenous species, or change to undertake a rescue and winching demonstration or completely taken over their with Silloth lifeboat, along the waters close to new environment. promenade and dock entrance. Unfortunately, on Saturday the RN helicopter was called away to a real emergency, just as the demonstration was MarLIN are asking members of the public to about to take place. record (and photograph wherever possible) sightings of non-native Later on the Saturday afternoon, at 3.45pm, the marine species and report them on-line at www.marlin.ac.uk/ port was over-flown three times by the Battle marine_aliens. of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster – Spitfire – Hurricane). This was to have been repeated on the Sunday afternoon, but had to be aborted due to poor weather elsewhere. Fortunately, the single Environment Fair 2010 remaining flying Vulcan bomber had recently been he annual Dumfries and Galloway Environment Fair will be held added to the programme for Sunday, making two Tat DGOne, the council run sports centre in Dumfries on Saturday passes over the port and compensated for the 6th March 2010. There will be the usual mix of organisations disappointment of not seeing the BOBMF that day. attending to give families the opportunity to learn about the Apart from a shower of rain on Sunday morning, environment in an interactive, fun way. The ever popular both days were bright and sunny with a gentle SW storytelling and craft making will also be there again at this event. breeze, giving the large crowd the ideal weather to see all the attractions, sideshows and stalls on offer. Ships and other craft were decorated overall and the three flag International Code signal UW2 Dumfries and signifying “Welcome” flew from the port’s signal mast yardarm. Over the weekend, an estimated Galloway Wildlife 12,000 people visited the port, far more than originally anticipated, and there were no reported Festival 2010 accidents or incidents to mar the occasion. he seventh Dumfries and Although a ‘free-entry’ event, the crowds gave Galloway Wildlife Festival will run very generously to charity collection boxes and T from Friday 2nd April to Sunday 18th fundraising stalls, benefiting the RNLI, The Great April 2010. There will be a range of North Air Ambulance, Help for Heroes and the new activities, yet to be decided for Silloth 1st Responders. 2010, but also the chance to attend All in all, the events proved to be very successful the favourite events such as badger and were an appropriate celebration of the 150 watching at WWT Caerlaverock years to date, that the Port of Silloth has served and visiting the Galloway Red Kite the community of Silloth, the county of Cumbria feeding station. and the NW England and Borders region. Capt Chris Puxley, Silloth Harbour Master
13 World Oceans Week 2009
Going rock pooling at Port William
the Stewartry Museum at Week, with recreational Seashore Safaris with local Kirkcudbright. A Marine Day sea anglers helping to tag rangers and a guided walk to at the Mull of Galloway RSPB sharks, rays and tope as part Castlehill Point to learn about reserve and a Mersehead of an initiative to collect the fascinating geology of Meander at the Mersehead information to better help the area with Nic Coombey RSPB reserve showed visitors their conservation (see page of Solway Heritage. 9 ). In Luce Bay, Newton some of the amazing and WOW 2009 finished with a Stewart British Sub Aqua diverse bird life we have Celebration at Port William, Club carried out the Marine in Dumfries and Galloway, with two large beach-side orld Oceans’ Day is Conservation Society’s as well as explaining how marquees housing displays celebrated world-wide SeaSearch training dives (see W the coastline influences the and activities from British on June 8th each year and page 10); following training vegetation and ecosystems Trust for Ornithology, has been celebrated annually by MCS, Seasearch volunteers it supports. Several visitors Dumfries and Galloway in Dumfries and Galloway can help by mapping enjoyed viewing the south Council Ranger Service, for many years. Celebration the distribution of rare, Rhins coastline from a the Forestry Commission, Days have been held at vulnerable or unusual species different perspective, wildlife Galloway Fisheries Trust, Rockcliffe since 1999, moving and habitats, ultimately watching on the Onyermarks Galloway Static Gear to Port William in 2007, and, helping in their conservation. charter boat which sailed out Fishermens’ Association, Geo- following the increasing of Port Logan. Local marine The first of the WOW 2009 D (Dumfries and Galloway successes of World Oceans experts were on hand at Celebrations was held in 2 local geology society), the Day Celebrations, it was Seashore Safaris and Seashore marquees on the beach at GreenBlue, David Hirst - Port decided to make the 2009 an Explorations at Rockcliffe Rockcliffe, where hundreds of William resident with ‘Larry even bigger and better event and Mossyard beaches, to visitors enjoyed activities and the Lobster’ aquarium, Jim – World Oceans Week! demonstrate and explain displays from a wide variety and Pauline Logan - local about the amazing creatures World Oceans Week of organisations including marine biologists and their that live on our shores. (WOW) 2009 was held Dumfries and Galloway collection of Solway seashells, WOW 2009 also included 2 on 6th – 14th June 2009, Ranger Service, E.ON Energy Marine Conservation beach cleans at Rockcliffe with 2 celebrations, one at and Renewables, Geo-D Society, National Scenic and Port William, where well Rockcliffe on June 7th and (Dumfries and Galloway Areas Communities Rangers, over a quarter of a tonne of one at Port William on June geology group), GreenBlue, Newton Stewart Sub Aqua rubbish was collected at each 14th, and a week of marine Marine Conservation Society, Club, Port William Inshore beach, helping to make them themed activities all along National Trust for Scotland, Lifeboat, RSPB Scottish clean and safe for wildlife, the Dumfries and Galloway Nith District Salmon Fisheries, Natural Heritage, Scottish and helping the beaches look coast in between. the Marine and Coastguard Sea Angling Conservation their best for their WOW Network and Solway Firth Visitors and locals alike Agency, RSPB, Jim and 2009 Celebration events. Partnership. A popular enjoyed exhibitions, talks Pauline Logan – local marine draw at the Port William and guided walks which WOW 2009 was also an biology experts, and Solway Celebration was the skeleton highlighted the stunning opportunity to gather Firth Partnership. Cream of a minke whale washed marine natural history of information about Dumfries O’Galloway ice creams and up on the local beach, and the spectacular Dumfries and Galloway’s marine life. refreshments by Colvend which local resident David and Galloway coastline. The Scottish Sea Angling Café were very popular with Hirst had cleaned and laid There were Solway-themed Conservation Society (SSACN) vistors who enjoyed picnics out in the car park adjacent exhibitions at the Mill on also held a Sharkatag over 3 on the beach between to the Celebration. The the Fleet Visitor Centre and days as part of World Oceans activities such as rock pooling,
14 Solway Firth Partnership Conference 2009 20th November 2009
· Keynote speaker – Eric Robson · Marine Renewable Energy in the Solway - A Feasibility Study Launch by Solway Energy Gateway · Pick ‘n’ mix – have your say on a wide range of Solway- themed issues · And much more!
he Solway Firth Partnership’s Annual Conference and TAGM will be held this year on 20th November at the Easterbrook Hall on the Crichton Campus at Dumfries. And the Partnership is delighted that the Keynote Speaker at this year’s Conference will be Eric Robson, well known as the Voice of BBC’s Gardeners’ Question Time, but better known The Marine and Coastguard Agency dispaly at Rockcliffe for his Out of Town television series, exploring the Scottish and English countryside accompanied by the ever-faithful beautiful weather encouraged many visitors onto the beach Raq, his ‘dog-on-a-string’. Eric, originally born in Scotland, is where SSACN had a ‘casting from the shore’ demonstration, also a Cumbrian sheep farmer, Chairman of the Wainwright or borrowed buckets and spades to go rock pooling, or just Society and Chairman of the Cumbria Tourist Board, and is enjoyed the day with a Cream O’Galloway ice cream sold in aid well known for his entertaining and informative talks about of Port William Inshore Lifeboat. In the morning a guided walk the local area. by Professor Jim Floyd to Monreith’s Back Bay showed visitors The Conference will see the launch of Marine Renewable how the fantastic geology of the area was formed millions Energy in the Solway - A Feasibility Study Launch by Solway of years ago, whilst in the afternoon talks on local geology, Energy Gateway. The Solway Firth has been assessed to Solway seashells and SSACN’s Sharkatag event, plus a seafood identify sources of marine renewable energy, environmental cookery demonstration by local chef Douglas Lisi featuring designations and constraints have been mapped and the locally caught seafood, were well attended in the Exhibition regional social demographics studied to recognise potential marquee. The booklet Sea Food Sea Life, produced by Solway benefits and concerns. This base information has then Heritage, was officially launched at the beginning of the been used to inform discussions around suitable energy Douglas Lisi demonstration. technologies and identify a number of potentially feasible From the fantastic feedback we had from visitors and energy generation schemes for further investigation, and the participants alike, WOW 2009 was a great success and we have findings will be presented at the Conference. already started planning WOW 2010! So keep your diaries free The Conference will also feature presentations about a wide for World Ocean Day Celebration at Rockcliffe on Sunday 6th range of Solway-themed issues, including the environment, June, World Ocean Day Celebration on Sunday 13th June and local history and culture. New for this year will be the a week of activities aimed at local schools in between. Watch Pick’n’Mix sessions, a series of interactive short presentations our web site at www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk for more which will allow for audience feedback on a wide range of information as it becomes available. topics – come along and have your say! WOW 2009 was organised by Solway Firth Partnership, with There will also be exhibitions in the foyer as well as displays assistance from National Scenic Area Communities Ranger from local organisations and a chance to learn about the huge Service, Dumfries and Galloway Ranger Service, David Hirst range of activities and organisations on the Solway. of Port William Residents’ Association, and the communities of Rockcliffe and Port William. WOW 2009 was generously The Conference is free of charge and open to anyone with an funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, E.ON Climate and interest in the Solway. The full programme will be available Renewables, and Dumfries and Galloway Council through on our web site (www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk) and will Stewartry Area Committee and Wigtown Area Committee. be sent out to our members and supporters shortly (please WOW 2009 was kindly supported by BBC Breathing Places note that the programme may be subject to change at short programme (prize draw prizes and promotional material), notice if circumstances Colvend Cafe (refreshments at Rockcliffe), Cream O’Galloway dictate). Booking is ice cream, DGAA Wigtownshire (organisation of WOW essential however, on a Port William Art and Photography competition), Forestry first-come-first-served Commission (generator hire), Jessops Photographic (sponsorship basis. of art and photography competition), West Skelston Hire For more information (generator hire), and the large number of volunteers who about Conference 2009 generously gave their time to support and organise the many see our web site or contact events and Celebrations of WOW 2009. the Partnership at the Centre Top: Pauline Logan demonstrates some of the Solway’s beautiful sea address on the back of Tidelines. shells to visitors at the Port William Celebration. Photo by Jim Logan Sand ripples. Photo by Susannah Bleakley Centre Bottom: David Hirst (far left) Ian Lomax and David Pedley with the skeleton of a minke whale washed up at Port WIlliam
15 Join the Wild Goose Chase 2010
across Dumfries & Galloway!
Greylag goose. Photo by Andrew Blunsum Andrew by Photo goose. Greylag
Dumfries & Galloway’s Wild Goose Chase is back for March 2010. Every year, between September and May, Dumfries and Galloway plays host to tens of thousands of geese: barnacle, pink-footed, greylag, brent and Greenland white-fronted.
hey come to escape the bitter Sunday 28th February Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve. For Twinters of their Arctic breeding 11am – 4pm; Wild Goose Chase more information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) grounds, and join our resident Discovery Day for all the family at population of Canada and greylag National Trust for Scotland’s Mains of 10 am to 3pm; Join the Goose Bus. A really special day out - a bus with a guide, geese. Dumfries and Galloway is an Kelton, Threave Castle, Castle Douglas. binoculars, telescopes and identification ideal place for geese in the winter. It Free but donations are welcomed. For more information contact NTS (1) books to help you find and identify some offers a mild climate, ample grass for of our local geese. Cost £10. For more them to eat, and plenty of safe roosting information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) places on the sandbanks and sheltered Wednesday 3rd March 10am to 3.30 pm; Environment waters of the Solway. 10am-12 noon; Goose Guide in Fair, DG1 Leisure Centre, Dumfries. All the the hide - spend time in our hide geese organisations taking part will be attending You can see our geese at sites along the spotting at Mersehead Nature Reserve, this Fair and will be in their own special Southwick, Dumfries DG2 8AH. Grid ref Solway coast and Loch Ryan or enjoy Wild Goose Chase Corner with events and NX925561. This event is a free, with a displays on geese. For more information this wonderful goose spectacle through goose guide to help identification plus contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) a series of goose related events, guided binoculars and a telescope for you to use. walks and talks hosted by Dumfries & For more information contact Keeley Spate Sunday 7th March Galloway Council in partnership with (2) 5 .30am - 7.30am; Gaggle of Geese NTS, RSPB, WWT and Castle Kennedy 2.30pm – dusk; Goose guide in the Dawn walk - celebrate sunrise in Gardens. hide at Wigtown Bay LNR. Free event with binoculars, a telescope and spectacular surroundings with the geese of identification books provided as well as Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, with a For more information on travel, the goose guide. Meet at the Wigtown free dawn guided walk starting at Wigtown accommodation or events please contact Harbour Bird hide NX 438 551. For more County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 9JH. For Elaine McClymont 07827848785 or information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) more information contact Elizabeth Tindal email: [email protected] (3) 10 am to 3pm; Join the Goose Saturday 6th March Bus - A really special day out - a bus Solway Firth Partnership strongly 5pm - 7pm; Gaggle of Geese Dusk recommends that you check the with a guide, binoculars, telescopes and details of each event beforehand, Walk- free guided walk starting at identification books to help you find and Wigtown County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 and cannot be held responsible for identify some of our local geese. Cost £10. 9JH to celebrate sunset with the geese of any inaccuracies in this article. For more information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3)
16 6am to 5pm; Wild Goose 10 am to 3pm; Join the Goose Bus - of Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, Chase Day of events at WWT a really special day out - a bus with a guide, with a free dawn guided walk starting binoculars, telescopes and identification at Wigtown County Buildings, Wigtown Caerlaverock Normal admission charges books to help you find and identify some DG8 9JH. For more information contact apply, WWT members free, catering not of our local geese. Cost £10. For more Elizabeth Tindal (3) included in admission price. No additional information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) charge for the Wild Goose Chase events. 6am Dawn flight; 11am - 2pm Guided Wednesday 24th March walks; 4pm Goose illustrated talk. Bring Wednesday 17th March 10am-12 noon; Goose Guide in warm waterproof clothing and boots 10am-12 noon; Goose Guide in the hide - come and spend time in our and binoculars if possible. For more the hide - come and spend time in our hide geese spotting at Mersehead Nature information please contact Brian Morrell hide geese spotting at Mersehead Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries DG2 8AH. (4) Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries DG2 8AH. This event is free and the goose guide will Wednesday 10th March This event is free and the goose guide will have binoculars and a telescope for you 10am-12 noon; Goose Guide in have binoculars and a telescope for you to use and will assist in bird identification Grid ref: NX925561 For further information the hide - spend time in our hide geese to use and will assist in bird identification contact Keeley Spate (2) spotting at Mersehead Nature Reserve, Grid ref: NX925561. For further information Southwick, Dumfries DG2 8AH. Grid ref contact Keeley Spate (2) 2.30pm – dusk; Goose guide in the NX925561. This event is a free, with a 5.30pm until dusk; Guide in the hide at Wigtown Bay LNR - observe goose guide to help identification plus hide at Castle Loch - The D&G Ranger thousands of geese around Wigtown Bay binoculars and a telescope for you to use. Service provides a knowledgeable guide, Local Nature Reserve at this free event, For more information contact Keeley Spate wildlife identification books, binoculars and binoculars, telescope and identification (2) a telescope for visitors to use and to find books provided as well as the goose guide. 2.30pm –dusk; Goose guide in the out about what you are seeing. Meet Castle Meet at Wigtown Harbour Bird hide NX438551. For more information contact hide at Wigtown Bay LNR Observe Loch Lochmaben Bird Hide (NY090811). For Elizabeth Tindal(3) thousands of geese around Wigtown Bay further information and booking contact Local Nature Reserve at this free event, Ross Gemmell (7) binoculars, telescope and identification 2.30pm – dusk; Goose guide in the Saturday 27th March books provided as well as a goose guide. hide at Wigtown Bay LNR - observe 10am to 3pm; Join the Goose Bus - Meet at Wigtown Harbour Bird hide thousands of geese around Wigtown Bay a really special day out - a bus with a guide, NX438551. For more information contact Local Nature Reserve at this free event, binoculars, telescopes and identification Elizabeth Tindal (3) binoculars, telescope and identification books to help you find and identify some Greylag goose. Photo by Andrew Blunsum Andrew by Photo goose. Greylag books provided as well as the goose guide. of our local geese. Cost £10. For more Thursday 11th March Meet at Wigtown Harbour Bird hide information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) 11am to 12noon; Meet the swans NX438551. For more information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) at Carlingwark Loch - Come and learn more about the Carlingwark swans. Look
for the DGC Ranger vehicle at Loch-side car Saturday 20th March Contact Information park, Castle Douglas beside Carlingwark 5.30- 7.30pm; Gaggle of Geese (1)NTS: Loch. For more information contact Keith Dusk walk - free guided walk starting at Kirk (5) Wigtown County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 phone 01556 503702 9JH to celebrate sunset with the geese of (2) Keeley Spate: Saturday 13th March Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve. For phone 01387 780579 or email details contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) 10am to 3pm; Join the Goose [email protected] Bus - a really special day out - a bus 10am to 3pm; Join the Goose Bus - with a guide, binoculars, telescopes and a really special day out - a bus with a guide, (3) Elizabeth Tindal: identification books to help you find and binoculars, telescopes and identification phone 01988 402401 or email books to help you find and identify some identify some of our local geese. Cost £10. [email protected] For more information contact Elizabeth of our local geese. Cost £10. For more Tindal (3) information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) (4) Brian Morrell: 5pm - 7pm; Gaggle of Geese Dusk 10am to 1pm; Wild Goose Chase phone 01387 770200 or email walk - free guided walk starting at event – looking for geese on the RSPB [email protected] reserve next to Loch Ken, grid ref NX699684 Wigtown County Buildings, Wigtown DG8 (5) Keith Kirk: 9JH to celebrate sunset with the geese of Bring binoculars if you have them, and Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve. For stout footwear and waterproofs. Booking phone 01556 505479 or email details contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) essential. For further information contact [email protected] Gus Keys (8) (6) Castle Kennedy: Sunday 14th March Sunday 21st March phone 01776 702024 or 01581 Goose Chase Day, Castle Kennedy 10am - 3pm; Wigtown Bay LNR 400225 or email enquiries@ & Gardens – Wild Goose Chase Open Open Day. For more information contact castlekennedygardens.co.uk or visit Day. A fun family day out. Free entry to www.castlekennedygardens.co.uk the gardens. For details contact Castle Elizabeth Tindal (3) Kennedy (5) 10am to 3pm; Join the Goose Bus - a (7) Ross Gemmell: really special day out - a bus with a guide, 5.30- 7.30am; Gaggle of Geese binoculars, telescopes and identification phone 01387 260366 or 07834 Dawn walk - celebrate sunrise in books to help you find and identify some of 567893 or email ross.gemmell@ spectacular surroundings with the geese our local geese. Cost £10, pay in advance or dumgal.gov.uk of Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, on the day. For more information contact with a free dawn guided walk starting Elizabeth Tindal (3) (8) Gus Keys: phone 07747 885973 or at Wigtown County Buildings, Wigtown 5 am- 7.30am; Gaggle of Geese email [email protected] DG8 9JH. For more information contact Elizabeth Tindal (3) Dawn walk - celebrate sunrise in spectacular surroundings with the geese
17 and enjoy the stroll along the Banks. For more information ring 01644 420605 For details ring AONB Unit, Silloth 016973 Dates For 33055 or email graeme.proud@allerdale. Wednesday 18th November 10.30 am gov.uk Mawbray Banks – Pond liner Your Diary installation November 7th to January 30th 2010 Come and help to install a new pond liner Collecting the Past in the Natterjack toad pond at Mawbray Nov 2009 – April 2010 Wigtownshire played an important role Banks. Restoration is desperately needed, in the story of Scottish Archaeology. This the more people helping the better. Meet Whilst every effort is made to check the exhibition looks at local antiquarians at Mawbray Yard Car Park. All tools supplied accuracy of the information in Dates for and their collections. Stranraer Museum but please bring a packed lunch and suitable Your Diary, Solway Firth Partnership cannot Exhibitions, 55 George Street, Stranraer. warm clothes. be held responsible for any inaccuracies Admission free. For details ring AONB Unit. Silloth 016973 or wrong information contained here, For more information ring 01776 705088 33013, or email graeme.proud@allerdale. and strongly recommend that you confirm gov.uk details/arrangements beforehand. Monday 9th November from 10.30am Crosscanonby Carr Reserve Workday October Routine maintenance of footpaths, boardwalks and woodland areas as part October 3rd to November 11th of reserve management. Please meet on Copeland’s Wildlife Photographer site or on the beach front car park on the of the Year B5300. All tools will be provided. Bring a Exhibition at the Beacon, Whitehaven, packed lunch and suitable clothing. Cumbria. For details ring AONB Unit, Silloth 016973 For more information go to: 33055, or email graeme.proud@allerdale. www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk gov.uk
Friday 13th November 10am Guided Bird walk along Grune November Point Join in with this guided walk. There will Sunday 1st November 10am – 5pm be a good chance to see a lot of birdlife In focus at Caerlaverock – weather permitting. Please wear suitable Heldey Charlie by Photo Agency © Countryside Try before you buy all the latest binoculars clothing, footwear and bring binoculars. Friday November 20th and telescopes. Grade indoors. Cost free. Meet at the Discovery Centre, Silloth. Solway Firth Partnership Booking not essential. Meet Caerlaverock For details ring AONB Unit, Silloth 016973 Conference 2009 Wetland Centre. 33055, or email graeme.proud@allerdale. The Partnership’s Annual Conference For more information ring 01387 770200 gov.uk and AGM will be held at the Easterbrook Hall, the Crichton, Dumfries this year, and Monday - Friday 2nd - 6th November Sunday 15th November 6.30am - features Eric Robson as our keynote Speaker, 2pm – 4pm 9.00am plus presentations and displays about a Mersehead winter walk Dawn Flight wide range of Solway-themed issues. Free A guided wintry walk around this captivating Watch wild geese fly in at dawn to feed on of charge but booking essential. site. Staff and volunteers will be on hand the reserve. Coffee shop will open early to For more information see our web site to guide you. Grade easy. Cost free. Bring serve hot drinks and bacon rolls. Grade easy. www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk, or binoculars, waterproofs and sturdy footwear. Cost – normal admission rates for WWT. write to, or phone, the Partnership at the Booking not essential. Meet Mersehead RSPB Bring warm outdoor clothing and willies, address on the back of Tidelines. Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 and binoculars if you have them. Meet 8AH. NX925561. at WWT Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Wednesday 25th November For more information ring 01387 780579 Eastpark Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, 10 am - 12 pm DG1 4RS. Booking essential. Ken Dee Marshes guided walk Wednesday 4th November For details and to book ring 01387 770200 (RSPB) Mawbray Banks boardwalk Lookout for Greenland white-fronted geese wiring Sunday 15th November 3.30pm – next to Loch Ken. We also hope to see 5.00pm greylags, pink-footed geese and a wealth We will be continuing to rewire the of wildfowl and waders. Grade easy. Cost boardwalk. Knee pads will be provided Evening Flight at Caerlaverock free. Bring binoculars if you have them (or bring your own) and gloves. Please Join NNR staff at dusk to watch thousands and stout footwear and waterproofs. Meet wear suitable clothing and bring some of geese and ducks leaving their roosting at Ken Dee Marshes nature reserve, near refreshments. Meet at the car park off the and feeding grounds on the vast mudflats Crossmichael, Castle Douglas, at the car park B5300 at Mawbray Yard (seaward side of and nearby farmland. Grade easy, cost free. NX699684. Booking essential. road in Mawbray). Bring wellies and binoculars. Meet Hollands For details and to book telephone Angus For details ring AONB Unit, Silloth 016973 Car park NY042659. Booking essential. Keys or Neil Groves 01671 404975 33055 or e-mail graeme.proud@allerdale. For further information and to book ring gov.uk 01387 770275 Friday 27th November 10.30 am Tuesday 17th November 7.30pm ‘Adopt a Beach’ litter pick at Friday 6th November from 10.30am Beauty and Beast Allonby Bird survey on Mawbray Banks An illustrated talk on behalf of the RSPB The good work continues with the Marine Meeting at Mawbray Yard Car Park, bring Volunteer Group by D&G Ranger Keith Kirk. Conservation Society’s ‘Adopt a Beach’ litter binoculars and warm clothing and join in Castle Douglas High School, Dunmuir Road, pick. Volunteers to meet at the car park with our Solway bird survey. Learn about Castle Douglas. Cost: group members £1, opposite Twentyman’s shop, Allonby on identifying local and over- wintering birds non-members £2, under 18s free. B5300. All tools and gloves will be provided,
18 please wear Sunday 13th December 11am – 2pm Wednesday 13th January 7.30pm suitable clothing (approx. 2 hours) Winter Nature Trail at Passerines of the Solway For details ring AONB Unit, Silloth 016973 Caerlaverock A talk by Dave Blackledgein on behalf of 33013 or email graeme.proud@allerdale. RSPB Local Volunteer Group. in the Tithe gov.uk Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and visit our nature Barn, West Walls, Carlisle commencing at trail. Simply follow the trail on the nature 7.30pm. Free for members, £1 for non- reserve and answer the questions as you members. go. Grade fair. Cost free. Bring wellies. For more information ring 01228 561684, December Booking not essential. Meet Hollands car email [email protected] park NY042659. For details ring Nick Gedge on 01387 Saturday 5th December - Saturday 770275 March 30th January 2010 Presents From The Past 2009 March 2010 An exhibition which highlights all the Dumfries and Galloway’s Wild Goose Chase donation received by the Stewartry Enjoy this wonderful goose spectacle through museum over the years. Free admission. a series of goose related events, guided The Stewartry Museum, St. Mary Street walks and talks. For more information see Kirkcudbright our feature on pages 16-17. For more information contact David For more information on travel, Devereux, tel. 01557 331643 accommodation or events please contact Elaine McClymont 07827848785 or email: [email protected] Saturday 5th December 10.30 am – 2 pm © AONB Grass © Cotton Tree planting and hedgerow Sunday 13th December 3.30pm – dusk Saturday 6th March 2010 work Castle Loch Goose Survey Environment Fair 2010 As part of National Tree Week the Mersehead Come to see why the Castle Loch is so Learn about the environment in an team are looking for volunteers to help important for geese. See how the ranger interactive, fun way through storytelling plant more native trees and hedgerows. surveys the geese which roost on the Loch and craft making at DG One Leisure Centre, Can you help? Grade tasks. Cost free. over winter and the importance of this Dumfries. Bring waterproofs and sturdy footwear. information on a national scale. Grade easy. See local press for details nearer the date. Booking not essential. Meet Mersehead Cost free. Bring boots/willies Booking not Nature Reserve, Southwick, Dumfries, DG2 essential. Meet at Lochmaben Castle Car 8AH. NX925561. park NY088812. For further information ring 01387 780579 For details ring Ross Gemmell on 07834567893 April Tuesday 8th December 7.30pm Art Safari Friday 2nd to Sunday 18th April 2010 Thursday Dec 31st 2009 1:30am – Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival An illustrated talk by local artist John 3:30am Threlfall, followed by festive food on behalf 2010 of RSPB Local Volunteer Group. Castle Hogmanay Walk Forests of the The seventh Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Douglas High School, Dunmuir Road, Castle Solway Coast Festival, with new activities plus favourite Douglas. Cost: group members £1, non- See out the year on a leisurely Forestry events such as badger watching at WWT members £2, under 18s free. Commission guided walk with friends and Caerlaverock and visiting the Galloway Red More information ring 01644 420605 family. No booking required. Free. Meet: Kite feeding station. Town Wood Car Park, Dalbeattie. GridRef: See local press for details nearer the date. NX836599 For details ring 0845 3673787
January 2010
Sunday 3rd January 9:30am - 3:00pm Wildfowl and Waders Join Cumbria Wildlife Trust on this day visit to the old railway viaduct, the RSPB Nature Reserve at North Plain Farm and various other points towards Anthorn © Countryside Agency Photo by Charlie Heldey Charlie by Photo Agency © Countryside Sunday 13th December 7am – 9am and Moricambe Bay. There is a high tide Dawn Flight at Caerlaverock around midday which we hope will bring Watch wild geese in fly in at dawn to feed the waders near. We should be joined by on the reserve. The coffee shop will open a RSPB warden who will be able to answer early to serve hot drinks and bacon rolls. questions. Organised by the North Cumbria Disclaimer Grade easy. Cost normal admission rates. Local Support Group. Meet at Brampton Tidelines is the newsletter of the Solway Firth Partnership. Although all due care is taken Bring warm outdoor clothing and wellies, Showfield car park at 8.45am if you would binoculars if you have them. Meet WWT regarding the information published in Tidelines, like to share cars. There is a suggested Solway Firth Partnership cannot be held responsible Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, Eastpark donation of £2 payable on the day. Children for any errors or inaccuracies contained in Farm, Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire, DG1 over 10 years old are welcome to attend. No Tidelines. Tidelines may include links to websites 4RS. Booking essential. dogs allowed. Please bring suitable outdoor for information, but Solway Firth Partnership has For details and to book ring 01387 770200 no responsibility for the content of these links. clothing and a packed lunch. Walk distance Please note that the views and opinions expressed 2 miles in Tidelines are not necessarily those of the Solway Firth Partnership.
19 Back cover Photo: A seashore safari by Susannah Bleakley Keen photographer Susannah took this photo of children exploring the Cumbrian coast on a beautiful day.
For further information, to submit an article or to join the SFP mailing list, please contact
Solway Firth Partnership Campbell House The Crichton Bankend Road Dumfries DG1 4ZB Tel: 01387 702161 Email: [email protected] Website: www.solwayfirthpartnership.co.uk
The Solway Firth Partnership is a Scottish Company Limited by Printers 01387 262960 guarantee and without share capital under Company Number the SC250012 and a Scottish Charity under Scottish Charity Number SC034376. Registered Office: J & H Mitchell W S, 51 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5BU. Solway Offset