We’ve signed up to the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland’s first, and are proud to support its goals. The Biosphere status is given in recognition of the special natural qualities of this area and their goals include:

Conservation: promoting the preservation of wildlife, habitats and landscape.

Development: supporting a better understanding of nature and global issues.

Learning: fostering a sustainable economy and society.

Visit their website by clicking here to find out more about the Biosphere plus all the latest news and events.

We’ve binoculars to view the abundant bird and animal life surrounding the cottage, plus there are books on the flora fauna so you can identify what you’ve just observed. The Biosphere also promote cultural heritage and local products. The conservation villages of Kirkmichael and Straiton are great places to view traditional Scottish rural architecture, local produce include Barwheys Cheese (made almost next door), and Dorothy’s cakes are justly famous in The Buck, Straiton.

A little further afield the Galloway Forest Park is a great place to walk, cycle, fish or just commune with nature. And at night we’ve some of the darkest skies in the world making it perfect for star gazing. The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory (pictured) at Craigengilllan has a varied programme of events throughout the year.