In addition to our resident population of Red Squirrels on the park there are a number of places nearby in the local area where you can go to spot wild birds and animals.

RSPB Mersehead Nature Reserve

We are lucky enough to be situated just 10 minutes drive from Mersehead RSPB nature reserve. With nature trails winding through breathtaking scenery and viewing hides to spot wild birds like the lapwings and skylarks in the spring and the thousands of barnacle and pinkfooted geese that visit our area during the autumn and winter, it is the perfect place to go for a wander.

You might even be lucky enough to spot otters, badges or roe deer. The reserve also runs events throughout the year from Stargazing, spotting wildlife and guided tours to craft activities.

For more information visit: www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead

Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park

Just outside Kirkcudbright, Galloway Wildlife Conservation Park is set in 27 acres of mixed woodland. It has a varied collection of nearly 150 animals from all corners of the world, which can be viewed in large peaceful enclosures in natural settings.

The park is involved in the conservation of animals and is part of a breeding programme to help conserve wildlife. There is car parking, a shop and small cafe on the site and all money goes towards the upkeep of the animals.

For more information visit: www.gallowaywildlife.co.uk

Galloway Red Kite Trail

Red Kites can be seen all around the area gliding on air thermals. They are unmistakable with their reddish-brown body, angled wings and deeply forked tail. They have been saved from national extinction by one of the world's longest running protection programmes. Red Kites were reintroduced to Dumfries and Galloway in 2001 from the secret cages near Mossdale.

The best place to see these magnificent birds close up is Bellymack Farm's Kite Feeding Station, where the Red Kites are fed every day at 2pm.

For more information on the Red Kite and the viewing areas please visit: www.gallowaykitetrail.com

Bellymack Hill Farm - Kite Feeding Station

The local Red Kites in the area are feed every day at 2pm all year round. This is the best place to go and see wild Red Kites as there is a bird hide on the site where you can watch as they are fed in the field below.

For more information, please visit: www.gallowaykitetrail.com

Other Nature Reserves

Rockcliffe

A simply stunning stretch of coastline with a network of paths. The area also included the remains of an important Dark Age trading post called Mote of Mark. You will be able to enjoy a variety of birds, flowers and butterflies throughout the year.

Rough Island which is accessible by foot at low tide is also a bird sanctuary with nesting Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers. Always check tide timetables before you walk across and please do not visit the island during May and June to avoid distrubing the birds during their nesting season.

For More Information, please visit: www.nts.org.uk

Ken Dee Marshes

A tranquil reserve with stunning views across the River Dee and Loch Ken. The reserve plays host to many exciting winter visitors, including the Greenland whitefronted and greylag geese. During Spring the redstarts and pied flycatchers fly in and join the resident willow tits. There is a nature trail on site and two hides, which give you the oportunity to keep an eye out for otters.

For more information please visit: www.rspb.org.uk

Caerlaverock WWT Reserve

A spectacular 1,400 acre wild reserve on the north Solway coast. Famous for its vast flocks of wintering water-birds, which include up to 40,000 barnacle geese from Arctic Svalbard and large numbers of pink-footed geese and whopper swans. Over the summer you can explore the rolling wildflower meadows and watch the Ospreys hunting over the Solway, spot barn owls and even badges.

For more information please visit: www.wwt.org.uk