Open Season

Though it may feel like we are all suffering in the grip of a perpetual winter, Easter is nearly upon us and there are signs that things are changing, both in the air and on the ground. While there are still good numbers of wildfowl about (particularly pink-footed geese), in the next few weeks they will begin to depart, coinciding, we hope, with a new chapter in the Threave osprey story. Already birds have been noted passing upwards through the British Isles, and we look forward to not only keeping you updated here, but keeping in touch with the UK's other osprey rehabilitation projects as well.

Preparations are already underway for the coming season, and we are excited to announce that our numbers in the D&G Countryside Team will be swelling even more than usual. We are currently advertising for two newly created positions - an osprey ranger and a bat reserve ranger - to develop and promote these vital projects. For more information, see: http://www.countryside-jobs.com/cjsdailyonline/Mar13/1803_4.html

As Scotland's first 'Bat Reserve', Threave has an important role to play in raising awareness and encouraging mutually beneficial interaction with bats. There are seven species present on the estate alone, and though the cold weather means hunting activity is currently limited, come summer we hope to run a number of events alongside the self-led walk that is currently in place. Expect to hear more in the near future!

As many bat species have come to rely on standing structures as roosts, it is important that any building maintenance undertaken takes this into account. Our countryside centre at Threave Estate is currently undergoing roof work (pictured below), after appropriate discussions between the construction team and Karl, the senior ranger.

2013 looks to be a promising year for the D&G Countryside team...watch this space.