A new wildlife hide has been unveiled near Carsphairn.
The facility offers a stunning panoramic view in Muirdrochwood Forest, a 49-hectare section of which was bought by Carsphairn Community Woodland last year.
Since then they have installed a timber processing shed and created a car park and walking routes as well as the octagonal wildlife hide which was recently officially opened.
Carsphairn Community Woodland chairman David McMillan said: “The members have all commented on what a lovely addition the hide is to the woodland and that its a very fitting building in such a beautiful landscape.”
The hide was created using funds from the group and the Galloway Glens Scheme with support coming from a range of partners including the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
Galloway Glens project officer Nick Chisholm said: “This stunning piece of wooden architecture by the Thick and Thin Lumber Company is a cut above many wildlife hides and offers a great view across different aspects of the Muirdrochwood Forest and the surrounding landscape.
“The informal partnership with the Glenkens Red Squirrel Group and the Carsphairn Community Woodland will provide years of interest as the woodland grows and develops around it.”
The biosphere team has planned a series of events in the hide for August and September thanks to some funding from Carsphairn Renewable
Energy Fund Ltd (CREFL). The site has also benefited from the Galloway Glens Our Heritage grants scheme.
Community officer Faith Hillier said: “This is a beautifully constructed hide with a stunning view of the landscape. And it’s such a cosy space - perfect for watching a variety of birds such as the great spotted woodpecker we saw.
“We are looking forward to bringing school children here to learn about the wildlife of the Muirdrochwood forest and it’s a fantastic location for the future community events we’re planning to hold in partnership with experts on red squirrels, pine martens, fungi and the night sky.”
The community woodland group is grateful to Scottish Land Fund, CREFL and a discount of public benefits from Forestry and Land Scotland for supporting the land acquisition, as well as to South of Scotland Enterprise.
More information on Carsphairn Community Woodland can be found on Facebook or at www.carsphairn/CCWL
