A Walk to The Monument for the Launch of Wild Eskdale

Today was the Launch of The Wild Eskdale Project at The Monument at 10.30am so our walk took us up to the Monument for the launch of this exciting project. It was only Tom, David, myself and Bowman & Ruger, David's two dogs. The weather was cold and windy but thankfully the rain stayed away. Tom having a blether with retired shepherd John Armstrong.  

Luke Tolson trying to keep Bowman from pinching all the biscuits

Kevin giving his introduction to The Wild Eskdale Project. He has only been employed on this from the end of July and has put a lot of work into getting it to this Launch stage. It is going to be an exciting project and hopefully will bring loads of visitors to this very special area for wild life. 

The Monument was a busy place this morning. 

Kevin introduces the Canonbie schoolchildren to Haggis the Owl

This Sparrowhawk was keeping an eye on everybody 

One very happy little girl

The girl on the right was very excited

Haggis the Owl and the star of the show

After the launch party we headed back down the hill where there is a considerable amount of tree felling going on.

Looking up the road to Hillhead now that most of the trees have been felled

A Wild Eskdale Walk with Kevin Cumming

On what proved to be a fabulously warm autumnal day we were joined by Kevin Cumming the new Project Manager of Langholm Initiative's Project "Wild Eskdale". It was a good opportunity for him to brief David and Tom on his project which will be launched at The Monument on Wednesday 31st October at 10.30am. I had promised to cover for Bob McLure at the Bird Feeders and do the topping up of the feeders so this was an opportunity to enjoy a nice 6 mile walk and  do my wee job at the same time. The weather was just perfect and very warm so it was a most enjoyable morning walk and finished in style with a lovely light lunch at The Buccleuch Centre. 

The view from Broomholmshiels road

Tom enjoying the view from the Laverock Bird Hide but just don't ask him to identify any birds.  

An autumnal view