Following a community buyout of the site, which is of special scientific interest, the Castle Loch Trust has brought groups from across the local area together to help look after the wildlife and habitats.
And no w Castle Loc h has been shortlisted for a prestigious RSPB Nature of Scotland 2015 award.
The Nature of Scotland Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement t in Scottish nature conservation.
The RSPB judges were overwhelmed by the number of entries receive d this year and faced some tough decisions as they whittled the m down to the list of finalists for the eight top prizes.
The work at Castle Loch has been recognised in the Community Initiative category, much to the delight of project officer Darren Flint.
He said: “It is always a joy to have the hard work recognised of all those individuals, groups and funders involved in making the Castle Loch community project such a success.
“T o be shortlisted as par t of the RSPB’s Nature of Scotland awards is a great opportunity for us to fly the flag for Dumfries and Galloway at a national level. I have everything crossed for the awards on November 19.”
Williamwood Farm near Brydekirk has also been nominated for an award in the Nature Tourism Award category.
The winner s will be announced at a black tie presentation dinner on November 19 at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand Hotel, hosted by wildlife TV presenter Lolo Williams.
