February at Loch Ken – Creativity, Conservation & Community

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February at Loch Ken – Creativity, Conservation & Community

If February has shown us anything, it’s this: Loch Ken isn’t just a beautiful place — it’s powered by people.

From paintbrushes and poetry to patrol boots and wildlife surveys, this month has been full of energy, kindness and connection.

Here’s what we’ve been up to.

A Wall That Belongs to Everyone

This month we asked a simple question:

What does Loch Ken mean to you?

As part of our Wall Art Project at The Crannog, we invited people of all ages and abilities to create artwork inspired by the loch — and you delivered.

Paintings. Drawings. Photographs. Collage. Mixed media.
Sunrises over still water. Windswept shorelines. Hidden corners only locals know.

The first mural is now underway, and seeing the wall slowly transform has been something special. Even more special? Watching community members stand back and say, “That’s mine.”

Soon we’ll be adding artwork from local schools, bringing young artists into the heart of the exhibition. A celebration event is coming too — because this isn’t just an art display.

It’s a shared story.

Wildlife That Calls Loch Ken Home

February brought National Hedgehog Day — a lovely reminder that beyond the views and walking routes, Loch Ken is home to remarkable wildlife.

Looking after the land means leaving space for species like hedgehogs to thrive.

We’re also preparing for important Willow Tit survey work this spring. Training sessions are being held at Threave Nature Reserve in partnership with:

National Trust for Scotland

RSPB Scotland

Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands

This collaborative effort will help gather vital data on Willow Tit populations around Loch Ken, Threave and Carlingwark Loch — shaping future habitat creation and conservation priorities.

It’s conservation in action. And it starts with community.

Eleven New Volunteers — And Counting

One of our proudest moments this month?

We recruited 11 new volunteers.

At our Volunteer Recruitment Session at Galloway Activity Centre, people came along for a cuppa, a bacon roll and a chat with our team — and left ready to make a difference.

We’re now welcoming:

Volunteer Rangers

Wildlife Recording & Survey Volunteers

Photographers

Community Cardiac Responders

Litter Champions

Water Safety Advocates

Junior Rangers (Ages 10–18)

No experience needed. Just care for this place and a willingness to get involved.

A huge thank you as well to Dalry Community Café for fundraising in support of the Glenkens Cardiac Responders Group — helping equip volunteers with portable defibrillators and refresh CPR skills locally.

Community resilience is built one conversation — and one cup of tea — at a time.

Events That Brought Us Together

The return of Steppingstanes CDCX brought colour, energy and muddy smiles to The Crannog. From balance bikes to adult racers, it was brilliant to see all ages taking part and cheering each other on.

We also popped into the local press — did you spot Rachael, our Volunteer Coordinator, in the Glenkens Gazette? The article highlighted the growing opportunities at Loch Ken for people to build skills, confidence and connection outdoors.

And behind the scenes, our rangers have been busy too — clearing blocked drains near the Burn car park, removing nails from fire pits, and gently reminding visitors to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and take litter home.

Small actions. Big impact.