A new network of footpaths has been opened near Castle Douglas.
The work forms part of the 100-year long Threave Landscape Restoration project at the area’s nature reserve.
In the last 18 months, a complete change in management approach on the site has taken place, with the reconnection to natural processes and systems to create a self-balancing and self-sustaining mosaic of habitats that can be used to illustrate, educate and inform long-term climate adaptation discussions.
In recent months two sections of floodbanks have been removed to reconnect the wetland to the River Dee, while 15 ponds and wildlife scrapes have been created and more than 16,000 native trees have arrived to be planted.
The new footpaths will shortly be joined by finger paths.
Operations manager for National Trust for Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway Gareth Clingan said: “It is wonderful to see the new path around the Threave Nature Reserve now complete.
“This is a key milestone in our long-term plan for the site and will ensure our many visitors will be able to get up close with nature, engage with the project and enjoy what is such a special place.”
The trust is being supported by a range of partners including the Galloway Glens Scheme and HSBC UK.
Galloway Glens land management and access officer Jonathan Barrett said: “The improvement of over 2,000m of path on the site of the Threave Landscape Restoration Project has involved construction of new paths, re-construction of existing paths, removal of steps and changes to gradients.
