Best Practice Case Studies

Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries
- Sustaining the attraction

With the imposing twin-towered gatehouse rising out of the moat, Caerlaverock Castle is a dramatic vision of 13th century defensive architecture. Located in a rural setting 9 miles from Dumfries, Caerlaverock is an example of a site rich in the historical heritage of Scotland set amidst the wild space of the natural world, with both aspects well managed and preserved. 

Run by Historic Scotland for Caerlaverock Estate, the success of this attraction can be measured by the 30,000 visitors a year who come through the gates of the castle.  The castle is bordered by two wetland nature reserves, one managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and the other, a National Nature Reserve (NNR), managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The 'Caerlaverock Experience'
By linking the different elements of the site together, all have benefited. For the last ten years the site has been jointly marketed as the 'Caerlaverock Experience'. Joint car parks provide access and signs from the A75 guide visitors to the castle and wetlands.

There is a well-defined walkway leading visitors from the castle to the NNR. A hide close to the castle grounds introduces the wildlife and provides a good starting point on the pathway between the castle and NNR.  The attractions are so well linked that sometimes visitors wander into the castle from the reserve not realising they have to pay for admittance!

Alec Little of Historic Scotland describes why the partnership works so well; "The castle and the reserves are trying to achieve the same aims, to attract visitors and improve the overall experience of the site."

A wealth of wetland wildlife
The wildlife found at Caerlaverock makes for a truly fantastic visitor experience. The wetlands are internationally important for barnacle geese that fly from Norway to winter on the Solway Firth. Whooper swans and thousands of ducks and waders also enjoy the site. Local tenant farmers play an important role by ensuring the pastures are well grazed, keeping the grass ideal for the visiting geese.  Rare natterjack toads thrive on the saltmarsh margin and recently another nationally important species was discovered on site, the tadpole shrimp, which was previously thought to be extinct in Scotland. 

The WWT reserve has 24 hides of different sizes, a footpath network and summer walks around the wildflower meadow. The NNR consists of 8000 hectares of intertidal mud flats and unimproved saltmarsh and is kept wilder with less visitor infrastructure to minimise the risk of disturbance. 

Visitors to the WWT reserve can enjoy a guided walk up two carefully screened avenues with a series of hides and observation points. The brand new 'SaltcotMerse Observatory' is currently under construction and will not only offer great views of the birds, but also information on the wildlife and habitats. 

Sustaining the attraction
Situated in such an environmentally sensitive area, Historic Scotland has worked hard to minimise the castle's impact on the surrounding habitats and wildlife. The castle holds a Silver award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, which reflects the environmental management practices of the staff and volunteers. 

WWT is also committed to sustainable tourism with the Wetlands Visitor Centre offering lower admission rates for those that come by foot, bike or public transport. They aim to not only offer a sustainable service themselves but to raise awareness of environmentally sensitive tourism. 

The castle is open 7 days a week all year. Operating outside the traditional tourist season helps spread the impact of the visitors. As the winter season is the best time to see the wildfowl, visitors can enjoy the full 'Caerlaverock experience' all year round!

Plans to improve the site
In order to improve their understanding of how natural heritage can encourage tourism, SNH has recently organised an exchange with North America to compare practices and gain a fresh perspective on what Caerlaverock has to offer.  Central to the plans is the involvement of the local community and visitors through consultation.  

For further information, please contact:

Richard Hesketh (Acting Centre Manager)
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Eastpark Farm
Caerlaverock
Dumfries DG1 4RS
Phone: 01387 770200
E-mail: info.caerlaverock@wwt.org.uk
Website: www.wwt.org.uk/visit/caerlaverock

Alan Steel (Reserves Manager)
SNH Caerlaverock NNR Office
Hollands Farm Road
Caerlaverock
Dumfries DG1 4RS
Phone: 01387 770275
E-mail: alan.steel@snh.gov.uk
Website: www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/

Alec Little (District Visitor Services Manager)
Historic Scotland
Caerlaverock Castle by Glencaple
Dumfries DG1 4RU
Phone: 01387 770244
E-mail: alec.little@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/

Photographs reproduced courtesy of Historic Scotland.  Crown Copyright.

This case study features in the publication 'Greening Scottish Tourism: Linking the Built & Natural Heritage, 10 Best Practice Case Studies'.  You can download the full publication at the bottom of this page.

Case study added August 2005.

Back to 'Best Practice' menu page