A new project is set to revitalise a beautiful spot in Castle Douglas, as Loch Ken receives almost £10,000 funding from the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund. The initiative aims to bring new life to Carlingwark Loch in collaboration with experts from Galloway Fisheries Trust and Scotland’s Rural College. The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, administered by Inspiring Scotland, has provided the grant to support this endeavour.
Speaking on behalf of Loch Ken Trust, manager Barnaby Fryer expressed excitement about the funding, highlighting the significance of restoring the ecosystems of Carlingwark Loch correctly. With the site being part of the Threave and Carlingwark Loch Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI), Fryer acknowledged the importance of expert guidance from various project partners. Grateful for the opportunity, Fryer thanked all involved in the Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund for enabling the restoration of Carlingwark Loch for the benefit of both people and nature.
The project will involve Galloway Fisheries Trust conducting studies on the loch to assess water quality and investigate the presence of invasive non-native species (INNS). Additionally, they will collaborate with Loch Ken Trust to deliver informational talks in village halls about identifying and addressing INNS. Tracy Starks, the INNS project officer at Galloway Fisheries Trust, expressed delight in being part of the Restoring and Enhancing Carlingwark Loch project.
Loch Ken Trust will also engage staff and students from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) at their Barony campus near Dumfries to develop a new management plan for the loch. This plan will be informed by community consultations and involve organisations such as NatureScot, National Trust for Scotland, and the RSPB.
The Neighbourhood Ecosystem Fund, made possible by contributions from the Carman Family Foundation, the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund managed by NatureScot, and others, is administered by Inspiring Scotland. Erica Judge, Director of funds at Inspiring Scotland, emphasised the fund’s role in supporting local ecosystem restoration initiatives and expressed hope that these projects would inspire similar efforts across different communities.
Individuals interested in participating in the Carlingwark Loch project can contact Loch Ken Trust through their website for more information. This collaborative effort aims to breathe new life into a cherished natural space in Castle Douglas, benefiting both the local community and the environment.