NEWS

According to latest figures, red squirrels were found in 54 per cent of all the areas surveyed in 2011. This is a big increase from 2005, when only 26 per cent of areas surveyed had red squirrels.

There has also been a dramatic decrease in grey squirrel sightings too – now only nine per cent of the areas surveyed had grey squirrels, compared to 39 per cent in 2005.

Senior Ranger Fiona Milne said:

“The North East is a stronghold for this threatened species, so we are really pleased with the positive results at Crathes. We have been working hard to encourage reds to thrive here. The results of our latest monitoring show that we are making good progress which is excellent news.”

The news comes six months after the conservation charity launched their red squirrel conservation plan which committed the organisation to a series of actions designed to help protect the red squirrel including carrying out a squirrel census, advocating more sensitive woodland management, focussed grey squirrel control and even the use of warning signs for motorists in some areas, including Crathes, to the possibilities of red squirrels on the road, and the use of road bridges in some locations too.

The full strategy is available to download at www.nts.org.uk.

Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate near Banchory is one of the most beautiful and best preserved castles in Scotland, set against a magnificent garden and within a stunning landscape. Home to the Burnetts of Leys for over 350 years this is a must see for any visitor to the north-east of Scotland.

Now visitors can learn more about its history and the techniques involved in milling through new interactive displays, with special areas for children. A new member of the team – Millie the Mouse, will encourage youngsters to touch grains and cereals and mill their own oats as well as hearing the story of the mill from a refreshed audio guide.

An old hen house has been opened up for activities, while all the buildings have a fresher look with new explanatory panels, improved paintwork and better lighting. A new visitor guide has also been produced for this season along with Explorer Backpacks for hire.

Financial support for the work has come from Viridor Credits, a not-for-profit organization which provides funding for community and heritage profits, with ten per cent match funding from the NTS Edinburgh Members Centre.

Property Manager, Rhiannon Naismith is looking forward to welcoming new visitors as well as our faithful regular supporters:

“The property has always been a popular destination but I hope the new facilities will attract more families with something for everyone to enjoy.”
In addition to the refreshed buildings there are still our usual guided tours, property events, the nearby Phantassie Doocot and the glorious walks that have made it such a well visited site.
OPENING HOURS:
Mill & Doocot: 3 May to 30 Sep, Thur-Mon 12.30-5
Tours approx every 30mins. Booking essential for groups of 10 or more.

Tel. 0844 493 2128
Background:
There has been on mill on the site, powered by the River Tyne, since the 16th Century and was milling oatmeal until 1959. The distinctive kiln and surrounding buildings were donated to the Trust and have been a popular attraction, especially with artists and photographers.

Viridor Credits Environmental Company is an independent not-for-profit organisation which provides funding for community, environmental, heritage and biodiversity projects around the UK through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Six cast Daubenton’s bats in various flight postures are now positioned above the water in the ponds in the Dumfries and Galloway estate’s garden.

A new bat rock set has also been installed around the edge of a pond – the pieces have an international flavour, as the word bat is inscribed in various languages including Russian, Arabic and Gaelic.

Head Gardener Brian Corr said :

”We are delighted with the addition of the sculptures to the garden. They compliment the recent development of our sculpture garden; it entices and encourages visitors to come back to look and listen to the variety of bats we have on the bat reserve.”

Threave Bat Reserve has two self guided way marked trails. Visitors can pre-book a bat detector from the visitor centre by paying a deposit of £60 which you get back upon the return of the bat detector the following day. The trails offer a great opportunity to stop at set points and tune in the bat detector to discover the wealth of sounds created in the world of bats.

Senior Ranger Karl Munday said:

“These new outstanding and unique sculpture features to the bat reserve offer a real opportunity to further enhance the public’s knowledge of bats and the reserve.

“Threave Bat Reserve is a great place to get close to bats and gain an understanding of the importance of landscape features which are so important to bats. Threave has a rich and diverse range of habitats ranging from the garden, buildings to woodlands farmland and a large wetland. Our aim is to use the reserve to further bat conservation and to raise people’s awareness of bats in Scotland.

“We would like to express our appreciation to Scottish Natural Heritage for the continued support with the Threave Bat Reserve.”

Threave is home to seven species of bat, including the rare Whiskered Bat.

The estate also includes Threave Nature Reserve, home to ospreys, otters, thousands of geese and a myriad of wild flower species. It also includes the stunning Threave Garden, with excellent restaurant and shop, the School of Heritage Horticulture and the beautiful Threave House with its fascinating collection of domestic and agricultural items that are indigenous to Dumfries and Galloway.

For more information visit: www.nts.org.uk.

Head Gardener Joanna Gough said:

“The new perennial border kicks off with displays of paeonies and the walk down to the walled garden showcases a stunning heritage collection of Japanese azaleas in brazen shades of pink, scarlet and orange.

“Step out into the woodland where the fragrant bluebell walks meander along the sparkling Geilston Burn. Colourful rhododendrons, deciduous azaleas and cherry trees are among the delights which can be discovered at every turn along the grassy paths.

“Behind-the-scenes propagation of young vegetable plants started back in February in the newly restored historic glasshouse. They are being hardened off in the cold frames and the early crops such as potatoes, cabbage and kale have already been planted out into our renowned kitchen garden.”

The 200 year old garden is open daily until 31 October from 9.30 to 17.00.