Philiphaugh News April 2014

 

As winter turns to spring blackbirds can be seen gathering moss for their nests and the oyster catchers and sand martins have returned to the river. There’s still time to catch site of many nesting birds before they are hidden behind a cloak of new spring leaves.

 

At the riverside coltsfoot flowers stand tall before they fall back to make way for their summer leaves. The distinctive lungwort has a flash of vibrant purple flowers and the sweet cicely stems are unfurling to reveal their graceful feathery edges. Daffodils, celandine and coltsfoot adorn many of the woodland paths bringing a welcome flash of colour to the estate.

 

The Cauld And Salmon Viewing Centre

Our extensive works to the cauld are complete and  the Hydro Electric Power Station is generating electricity.

 

The turbines have now produced over 360,000 kWh since November 1st 2013.

 

The two Archimedes screw turbines can generate

900,000 KW of electricity per year which is enough to power 225 standard sized homes.

 

We have worked closely with SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the free passage of wildlife and have installed a new salmon pass and smolt chute. 

 

Four cameras, sending live feeds to the Salmon Viewing Centre have been installed and we expect to have the system fully operational within the next few weeks.

 

Here is a short video of the turbines in Action.

 

 

Philiphaugh Gardens

The gardens are getting ready for the busy season ahead. Our wide range of bedding plants will be available from May and we are now taking orders for hanging baskets and planters. Some cut flowers, azaleas and primulas are for sale at the Waterwheel Café of directly from the gardens.

 

The gardens are open Monday to Friday 8-4 and weekends by appointment.

Walks

The estate has a number of beautiful walks at any time. Please collect a leaflet or consult the map in the salmon viewing centre for route information.

Mobile Phone App

A mobile phone app is available to download from www.philiphaughaudio.com which you can listen to as you walk. Leaflets and a booklet about the project and the battle are available from the Waterwheel Café. 

 

Battlefield Self Guided Walk

Leaflets and a booklet about the battlefield project are available from the Waterwheel Café.

  

Salmon DVD

A fully narrated film entitled "The Philiphaugh Salmon" showing twenty minutes worth of the best, recorded images from the salmon viewing centre, will be available to purchase from the Waterwheel Restaurant.

The species included are salmon, trout, grayling, eel, perch, a brief view of an otter knocking the camera and a goosander swimming underwater below the cauld.

All proceeds will be used towards the upkeep of the centre, for the purchase of equipment, cameras and towards maintaining the facilities. The DVD is priced at £5.