Select a Language: 
Newsletter Subscription
Bioblitz at Drumlanrig
Sunday 26 September 2010
10 am - 4 pm
The bioblitz at Drumlanrig is designed to enthuse and excite people into an interest in nature through fun activities and challenges. This September there is a range of activities suitable for everyone and whether a novice or expert, we would love for you to come along.
For each event there will be clear instructions and assistance on hand from the Buccleuch Ranger Service team. Whatever interest or knowledge base you have, we would love for you to come along.
The event is free of charge to those taking part. All you have to do is download and print out your entry voucher and bring it along with you.
If you are interested in any of the guided activities please book your place as spaces are limited. Alternatively, if you are interested in recording species independently, please feel free to come along.
Download your Free Entry Voucher for the Drumlanrig Bioblitz.
THE EVENT
Meet at 10.00 – 4.00 Base Camp (Old Stables)
10.00 – 10.30 Challenge Briefing
10.30 – 12.00 Bird Race
Teams of either two or four will be given a route to follow. Along this route your team will record birds either by sight or call (at least two team members must concur). Each sighting/call must be logged on the recording sheet with map reference. A prize will be given to the team with the most species at the end of the day.
10.30 – 12.00 Tree Quiz
Do you know your trees? With the fabulous array of trees that are here at Drumlanrig, this will make a fun activity for all the family. The quiz will help you identify trees and seeds, and also appreciate the spectacular setting.
11.00 – 12.00 Worm Charming
Within your square, and using a variety of different equipment, see how many worms you can charm, through vibration within thirty minutes. Please bring with you your own equipment. For the rules, see below.
18 rules of Worm Charming
1. Each competitor to operate in a 3 x 3 metreplot.
2. Lots to be drawn to allocate plots.
3. Duration of competition to be 30 minutes.
4. Worms MAY NOT BE DUG from the ground. Vibrations only to be used.
5. No drugs to be used!! Water is considered to be a stimulant.
6. Any form of music may be used to charm the worms out of the earth.
7. A garden fork of normal type may be stuck into the ground and vibrated by any manual means to encourage worms to the surface.
8. Garden forks to be suitably covered to prevent possible injury when being transported to and from the competition. No accidents please!
9. Each competitor to leave his/her fork in allocated plot on arrival.
10. A piece of wood, smooth or notched may be used to strike or ‘fiddle’ the handle of the garden fork to assist vibration.
11. Competitors who do not wish to handle worms may appoint a second to do so. The second shall be known as a ‘Ghillie’.
12. Each competitor may collect worms from his/her own plot only.
13. Worms to be handled carefully and collected in damp soil and placed in a suitable, named container provided by the organising committee.
14. A hand bell to be rung about five minutes before the start of the competition.
15. Competitors to keep clear of the competition plots until given the instruction ‘Get to your plots’.
16. The competitor who ‘charms’ the most worms is crowned the winner.
17. In the event of a tie, the winner to be decided by a further five minutes charming.
18. Charmed worms to be released after the birds have gone to roost on the evening of the event.
1.00 - 3.00 Conservation Task
Help the Buccleuch Rangers in this practical based activity, where your contribution will enhance the beauty of the country estate and create valuable habitats for our native wildlife.
2.00 – 4.00 Fungi Forage
Have a go at identifying fungi with the help of our Ranger. Learn Puffballs from your Stinkhorn and find out which ones are deadly!
Entry Free with Voucher (you must download and bring this with you). Usual Entry Charge Country Estate Admission (Adult £5, Child £3.50). This includes entry to the Country Estate, Gardens and Adventure Playground. (Adult concessions may be available).
Contact the Ranger on 01848 331555, email on rangerservice@buccleuch.com or Contact Us for further information or to book your place.
Why not purchase a Season Ticket which will allow you free entry to Drumlanrig Country Estate throughout the season. See Useful Information for details.