River Wildlife at Riverside Mill
Hosting an abundance of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, trees, shrubs, wild flowers, grasses, fungi and rushes – the River Annan, along its 35 miles, is a realm of British Wildlife. The view of this river has to be seen to be fully appreciated. We can never guarantee that you will see a red squirrel or otter during your visit but we assure you that you won’t be disappointed with the views from our bed and breakfast.
Please find below information about the following wildlife to be found at Riverside Mill: Red Squirrels | Otters | Salmon | Sea Trout | Birds
Red Squirrels
Staying at Riverside Mill Bed and Breakfast is one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of one of Britain’s most loved animals. Red squirrels are often spotted within our grounds and for some guests it will be the first time they have seen these charismatic mammals.
Information and facts can be found at the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, the home of red squirrel conservation in southern Scotland. Fewer than 160,000 individuals are thought to be left in the UK, approximately 75% of which are in Scotland. Their aim is to maintain south Scotland as a stronghold of our native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) which has disappeared from most of Britain.
The Red Squirrels in South Scotland website includes information on how you can help preserve these beautiful creatures, advice on how to spot red squirrels (good to know before you arrive at Riverside Mill B&B), and view their ever growing sightings.
Otters
Three otters have been spotted from the grounds at Riverside Mill bed and breakfast this year.
Otters have a conservation status of near threatened, and their numbers have certainly dwindled since around the 1950s. The decline seems to be due to many rivers being used as outlets for chemical waste over the last few decades, habitat destruction and hunting.
Thankfully numbers have been reported on the increase and we hope this continues to be the case on the River Annan.
Salmon
Salmon spend much of their life at sea but return to fast flowing, healthy rivers like the Annan to breed. They move upstream November to February when the river is in full spate.
Riverside Mill has course fishing available along our stretch of the river, but whilst Salmon and Sea Trout may be viewed they cannot be fished. Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing can be arranged locally.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout return to the River Annan each year to breed. They move upstream November to February when the river is in full spate.
Riverside Mill has course fishing available along our stretch of the river, but whilst Salmon and Sea Trout may be viewed they cannot be fished. Salmon and Sea Trout Fishing can be arranged locally.
Birds
A great variety of common and rare birds can often be seen on both the River Annan and from within our grounds at the Riverside Mill bed and breakfast. The peaceful surroundings at our accommodation offer a unique base for bird watchers visiting Dumfries Galloway.
Whooper Swans, Grey Herons, Kingfishers, Nut Hatches are among many of the birds already spotted this year.
Out and about there are the thousands of Barnacle Geese at Caerlaverock Wetland Centre near Glencaple that return each October from the High Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to stay until April on the Solway’s saltflats and merses…
There’s the amazing site of the red kite feeding station just along the Red Kite Trail outside Castle Douglas by the beautiful Loch Ken which has proven a major success with over 30 mating pairs in the area.
Also there is Mersehead near Dalbeattie where you can discover the breathtaking scenery and wildlife that’s typical of this region. Stroll along the nature trails and use the viewing hides to explore at your own pace. Some of the birds to be found here are Barnacle Geese, Lapwings, Pintails, Reed Warblers and Skylarks. Mersehead has many unique events throughout the year.