Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve

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Sand, sea, mud and merse

Dramatic coastal scenery and a rich range of wildlife combine to make Caerlaverock an outstanding National Nature Reserve (NNR).

Mudflats and saltmarsh – or merse – provide a winter feast for birds such as barnacle geese, bar-tailed godwit and knot. Stand on the edge of this vast expanse and watch flocks of birds wheeling through the sky. Arrive early in summer to listen to the dawn chorus or, if you’ are very lucky, the distant chorus of natterjack toads.
 
Whether you want to enjoy birdwatching or a good walk with a stunning soundtrack of birdsong, you’ll find a warm welcome at Caerlaverock.

Find out more about visiting Caerlaverock NNR.

Top attractions

• Visit at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking wildlife and scenery.
• Watch wintering geese, normally resident in the Arctic.
• Listen to natterjack toads, Scotland’s rarest amphibian.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Keep up to date

Follow Caerlaverock NNR on Facebook.

Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.

Caerlaverock NNR is a member of VisitScotland.

Enjoyed your visit?

  • Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
  • Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.  

Wildfowling

You can find information on wildfowling at Caerlaverock NNR on our wildfowling guidance page.

Contact

Reserve manager: Suzanne McIntyre
NatureScot
Greystone Park
55/57 Moffat Road
Dumfries
DG1 1NP

Telephone: 01738 458678 
Email: [email protected]

Caerlaverock NNR
Click for a full description
Duration
04:12

Caerlaverock NNR, in the heart of Caerlaverock Estate, is a place of constant change and part of an ongoing international conservation success story.

Caerlaverock NNR camera trap
Click for a full description
Duration
02:12

Dusk flight barnacle geese

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