Skip to navigation Skip to content

New DeeWatch blog to illustrate Deeside's stunning wildlife

New DeeWatch blog to illustrate the areas stunning wildlife
“Fed by the expertise and sightings of rangers working on the ground in the catchment, DeeWatch aims to show off Deeside’s abundant wildlife, and make it more accessible to more people. Pine marten, red squirrel and otter are found throughout the catchment, and some of nature’s great spectacles, like geese gathering to roost in their thousands, happen right here on our doorstep"

A blog created in celebration of Deeside’s wildlife, and Inspired by the BBC’s ‘Watches’ series has been launched by the Dee Catchment Partnership. “DeeWatch”, aims to encourage locals to explore Deeside by showing them where they can locate the diverse plants, animals and insects the area has to offer.

The Dee Catchment Partnership was formed to support those with responsibilities for water management, quality and restoring local habitats. The organisations new blog will take the form of a monthly diary comprising of hints and tips as well as photos and videos.

Scientist at the James Hutton Institute and manager for the Dee Catchment Partnership, Dr Susan Cooksley, said: “Fed by the expertise and sightings of rangers working on the ground in the catchment, DeeWatch aims to show off Deeside’s abundant wildlife, and make it more accessible to more people. Pine marten, red squirrel and otter are found throughout the catchment, and some of nature’s great spectacles, like geese gathering to roost in their thousands, happen right here on our doorstep.

“With practice, the variety of the wildlife you see will grow and rare species will become easier to spot. The more common species like frogs, dragonflies and blackbirds are equally beautiful and fascinating – and much easier to photograph. And remember - our amazing plants like ladies smock or meadowsweet, and our fabulous fungi like fly agaric and chanterelles don’t run away! We’d love to hear from people about their own sightings, and welcome photos and footage to include in the blog.”

Blog contributor and Countryside Ranger at Crathes Castle, Toni Watt, said: “When it comes to nature, we are spoilt for choice on Deeside. Our National Nature Reserves and National Trust properties are a great starting point, but it’s worth bearing in mind that wildlife doesn’t recognise the lines we draw on maps, and can appear anywhere at any time. With a little planning, time and luck, your nature-spotting efforts can be rewarded with sightings of some of Scotland’s rarest plants and animals.”

Find out what to look out for in Deeside this month here.

Notes to editors

The Dee Catchment Partnership includes the James Hutton Institute, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, River Dee Trust and Scottish Forestry. Scottish Natural Heritage and Aberdeen Harbour Board.

Photo courtesy of Darren Dawson

Press and media enquiries: 

Adam Walker, Communications Officer, James Hutton Institute, Tel: 01224 395095 (direct line), 0344 928 5428 (switchboard)


Printed from /news/new-deewatch-blog-illustrate-areas-stunning-wildlife on 19/03/24 10:19:10 AM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.