AS we are now approaching the end of the year (and the start of the Christmas holidays thank goodness) I thought I would take the opportunity just to sum up our year at Kailzie and all the events and happenings from the KLAWED Project.

2013 kicked off with a very successful star gazing event at Kailzie in conjunction with local astronomy fanatic Tom Johnston. This cold, frosty and beautifully clear night proved highly popular and kick started the interest in the now established Peebles Astronomy Group.

The cold weather didn’t let up for much of the spring and this meant that activities like pond dipping had to be cancelled due to a frozen pond, and school trips cancelled due to snow. Nonetheless the ever resilient Wellybooters were still keen to get out and about to do a little bird spotting and play bird games during our Booting and Birding days in the spring time. I was also invited to local schools during the spring to make wildlife films with the children which were great fun. We filmed everything from goosanders on the Tweed, to snails in the classroom!

As the persistent cold led to an interruption of natural wildlife behavioural patterns, everything seemed to occur a few weeks later than normal this year. Which is why a lot of our activities at Kailzie took place over the summer, when we were spoiled with glorious sunshine and high temperatures.

I had regular groups learning about bird ringing, helping me release small mammals, and also searching for minibeasts around the grounds at Kailzie. There were also photography workshops for adults, taking advantage of the colourful blooms on display in the gardens and the butterflies and bees they attract, and a bushcraft day at Glenlude with Earthwise Ways where we built dens and cooked our lunch over a campfire. All great days where the fantastic weather played a big part!

Of course in August we had our second Kailzie Wildlife Festival showcasing the wildlife of the Scottish Borders. We had food, music, moths, owls, games, walks, talks and a tiger bouncy castle! Again we were blessed with sunshine and it was a joy to see so many families enjoying themselves and having fun at Kailzie.

The October school holidays meant that I could offer children and families a chance to come and learn about wildlife photography and make their own wildlife films which resulted in a variety of wildlife being shown in a variety of ways. Special mention must go out to our star voles and mice who posed ever so obligingly for photos and films!

The colder weather setting in and darker evenings mean that activities and events are less feasible towards winter. However this also gave us a chance to explore the Kailzie at night, something very few get the opportunity to do.

Our Owl Walk in November attracted a large crowd, all willing to freeze their toes and hands off in the search of tawny owls in the gardens at night! It was such a cold night even the owls were snuggled up keeping warm! We did hear them calling to each other though, most likely establishing territories and seeking out potential mates.

So that brings us up to the present day. So what do we have in store for 2014?

I can tell you that we will be offering a training course for people interested in setting up wildlife camera equipment for personal or business use, there will be more bushcraft workshops, snowdrop walks, more photography, and the Kailzie Wildlife Festival on Sunday May 4th. Basically more chances to experience and fall in love with Scottish wildlife and the countryside!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and prosperous New Year! See you in 2014!

Rachel McAleese KLAWED Project Officer, Kailzie