The 70 acres of Airds Farm represent a unique and varied environment conducive for a wide variety of wildlife. Although the majority of the acreage is still used for the commercial production of cattle and sheep, many areas are reserved exclusively for nature. It is our policy to maintain and improve these facilities for the benefit both of the wildlife itself and the visitors who come to enjoy it.
In spring, primrose and kingcup abound in the wet areas as the above pictures show. An Early purple Orchid also grows in the glen. Although the latter is not exceptionally rare, neither is it commonly found in this area.
Many species of birds can be seen. Around the house and garden, blue tits, great tits, goldfinches and greenfinches are frequent visitors. More rarely, a greater spotted woodpecker may be seen. Oystercatchers with their plaintive cry wheel and dive above the slopes of Airds Hill and buzzards are often seen soaring above the woods and fields. Owls can be heard and sometimes seen at night. In spring, any wet hollow can provide a home for a pair of mallards, and skeins of geese flying to and from their feeding grounds make a fine sight overhead.
Rabbits (a pest in excess numbers) inhabit networks of burrows within the glen and under whin bushes. These provide food for foxes occasionally seen. Fallow deer, to which fences and dykes present no barrier, are an occasional visitor
Dew highlights spiders' webs on whin bushes at Airds
A barn owl has recently been seen around the steading. We are hopeful that it has made Airds its home and will try to get a good photograph in due course. We have had owls before, but previously only tawny or possibly short-eared owls have been identified.
Swallows breed each year in buildings about the farm. Highly persistent, they will build nests only a few feet away from places used by humans such as the roof of my workshop. See more about them on our Swallows page.
This page is provided for information and interest to visitors to the AIRDS FARM GUESTHOUSE WEBSITE. Airds Farm offers comfortable bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation for visitors to Dumfries & Galloway in south west Scotland. For information on accommodation please visit our Bed and breakfast page or for self-catering our Airdside self-catered cottage page. Our homepage is Airds Farm.