Rambling Russells

A lovely afternoon - where to go? We often go to Shancastle Loch just to sit and watch the wildlife while enjoying a cup of tea. Not having been since last year we thought it was time to go and see what birds were about. We have seen ducklings and goslings here before at this time of year. Shancastle Loch is a man-made loch on the A702 near Moniaive.           It is a lovely peaceful spot to sit and watch the water. There is always something to see. Within just a few minutes today we saw ducklings and goslings drifting along the water with their parent(s). We counted 24 mallard ducklings! Then, under the trees we spotted a lovely little roe deer. He came out and wandered around for quite a few minutes before going back into the trees.           Both Greylags and Canada Geese had goslings  - we counted 24 of them too! Just hope they survive.    ...

People who know us will recognise our destination for a day out today.   Cream o' Galloway run a series of 'Food for Thought Events' throughout the season.     The topic for the talk was 'From Cutting to Coffin' with Susan Finlay, a demonstration of weaving with Willow. It is not just the coffee , scones, delicious lunch and ice cream which tempts us to Rainton Farm near Gatehouse of Fleet. The topic for this month sounded very interesting.   Susan showed us her willow plot in the Farmhouse garden and talked about growing and using willow. She makes the most beautiful and functional baskets and has even made 2 coffins!!   We were told about the processes needed to make the willow pliable and suitable for intricate weaving into basic and complicated shapes. Her artistic eye for the craft has resulted in many colourful and rugged designs.        We were shown some of basic...

May and bluebells go together for us. I have always loved spring flowers - I think it is the new life emerging after the winter and the joy in seeing the first flowers. So finding one of the best sites for bluebells in the UK in Dumfries and Galloway was a real bonus. It is now an annual trip to Carstramon Wood near Gatehouse of Fleet. Carstramon is one of the largest broad-leaved woodlands in the area so it is worth it at any time of year to see some of the majestic old trees. The oak trees were once used for making charcoal and supplying the local mill with bobbins. We have to judge when to go to see the bluebells, sometimes we have been just too early, sometimes the sun isn't shining or it has rained recently and it is wet underfoot but this year I think we got it exactly right. The bluebells were fully out, the sun was shining (although there was a breeze to keep us cool) and the paths were dry.     At the entrance to the wood there ...