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Two become one with nature

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Two of Scotland’s prestigious nature festivals are uniting for the first time to showcase more than 150 family friendly events which will take place in the south of Scotland between April and June, 2015.

The Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival, which is Scotland’s largest and longest-running wildlife festival, has joined forces with the Scottish Borders Nature Festival to celebrate the diversity of flora and fauna that can be discovered throughout the area in a fascinating programme of events. To mark Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, both festivals are also set to reveal a series of events with a special focus on the area’s outstanding natural larder.

Almost all events will be free or charge a modest admission of under £5 per person. Most are led by local wildlife or conservation experts and take in a host of natural delights including the iconic red squirrel, migrating geese, bats, badgers, butterflies and moths, otters, red kites, osprey, red deer, goats, gannets and sharks.

Project manager for the Southern Uplands Partnership and spokesman for the South of Scotland Wild Festivals, Pip Tabor, said: “By uniting The Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival and the Scottish Borders Nature Festival, we hope to shine a spotlight on the naturally inspiring countryside, forests, gardens and coastline (around 250 miles of it) across the south of Scotland.

“There are so many wonderful experiences on offer for families and wildlife enthusiasts from near and far to discover the outstanding areas of natural beauty in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Many events at these festivals are free, and the local nature reserves and forestry visitor centres are second to none, offering the perfect way to get out in the fresh air and explore the south of Scotland this spring.”

Organisations involved in festival events include the RSPB, the Forestry Commission, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), Borders Forest Trust, the Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as a variety of independent local heritage attractions and estates.

Highlights of the festival revealed so far include:

Stars ‘n’ Stripes Badger Watching at Caerlaverock WWT. Witness these fascinating nocturnal creatures from a cosy vantage point with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. (April 6-19).

Wilderness Canoe Trip at Galloway Activity Centre. Take a peaceful paddle along picturesque Loch Ken, one of the best ways to spot wildlife (daily throughout the Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival).

Mull of Galloway Guided Walk. Join the RSPB Ranger to explore Scotland’s most southerly tip – spring is a great time to spot seabirds on the cliffs and if you’re lucky perhaps a porpoise or basking shark (numerous dates throughout the Dumfries and Galloway Wild Spring Festival).

Wild Forest Food: The Future in Ettrick Forest at Corehead Farm. Join the Borders Forest Trust for a walk in the young native woodland that is helping to restore the historic Ettrick Forest. Identify the trees, learn about their folklore and sample some of the food produce that the forest will provide, such as cob nut biscuits and birch sap cordial. (Saturday, April 25).

Booking is essential for some of the events. For further details visit www.wildseasons.co.uk