Philiphaugh News May 2012

Spring in is full swing here on the estate despite the very chilly east wind that makes the warmest day feel cool. Birds are beginning to nest and as I write, a nuthatch is hopping around an ancient oak outside the window.

Wild flowers are suddenly everywhere bringing a welcome display of colour to these grey days of early spring. Along the river path you’ll find Butterbur, Coltsfoot and Alkanet in flower and for all the wild foragers out there, sorrel, garlic, woodruff and sweet cicely are now available for the picking.
In the fields, our new lambs are happily skipping about in the spring grass, a sign that the worse of the weather has passed.

Our extensive repairs to the cauld have affected the live displays in the Salmon Viewing Centre but you can still select the DVD highlights from last year or take a walk along the river in search of a spring salmon.

Everything is growing in the gardens and orders are now being taken for bedding, hanging baskets and planters. Robbie has a delicious selection of fruits and vegetables growing which should start to be on sale from the beginning of June. The gardens are open from 8am-4pm weekdays or by appointment out with these hours.

We have five free featured walks on the estate this month, leaving from the waterwheel café car park every Wednesday at 1pm:
 

 

Dates for your Diary

 

May

 

Our free estate walks continue to be very popular and we have 5 running through April as listed below.

 

2nd May

Estate Walk

Spend an hour with our wildlife expert Derek Philips as he talks about all the seasonal highlights of the estate in spring. Look out for returning salmon in the Ettrick, nesting birds and colourful wild flowers.

 

9th May

Battle Walk

Take a tour of the ancient battle site at Philiphaugh. Hear the tale of the covenanters and royalists who fought across the land in 1645. 

 

16th May

Animal Tracks

Take a walk across the woods and fields in search of animal tracks. Derek Philips  will point out all the signs to help you spot a wide variety of our native wildlife from rabbits to roe deer.

 

23rd May

River Walk

Take a walk along the Ettrick with Derek Phillips as he points out the diversity of our native spring flowers, shrubs and trees.  Bring binoculars and try to spot our shy resident otters.

 

30th May

Wildlife Walk

Spend an hour with our wildlife expert Derek Philips as he talks about all the interesting wildlife that returns in spring. Derek will also point out the emerging spring plants and flowers.

 

 

Philiphaugh Audio Tour

At the Waterwheel Café you can collect an audio player to accompany your visit.

It’s packed full of interesting facts about the Salmon Centre, the life cycle of the salmon and the fascinating battle of Philiphaugh which will enhance your visit to this beautiful spot.

Some of the audio is about the Cauld and can be taken with you on your walk.

The player can be stopped and started at any point and you can listen to sections again if you wish.

The Audio Tour lasts for about 30 minutes, so It’s great value for money!

 

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.