We are only 5 days into November and yet we have already had temperatures ranging from -3C to +12C with the appropriately stunning autumn views to go with them! I make no apology for finding autumn the best season of the year. Nose tinglingly cold with blue skies and ice sparkling on frozen grasses one day, mild and misty or pouring with rain and blowing a hoolie the next!

That’s November in Scotland: everyday is a surprise!

As I write, the hills around Lowes are shrouded in mist, there’s not a breath of wind and it’s feeling quite mild. Wigeon, goldeneye and tufted ducks are entertaining the visitors in the hides (please remember, although the Visitor Centre closes Monday-Thursday in the winter, the Double Decker Hide remains open 24/7) our resident pair of Mute Swans are standing on their heads in the shallower parts (eating on the bottom) and three greylag geese are enjoying a brief acquaintance with two Canada geese.

The red squirrels are very active today. Bouncing around through the bare branches and chasing each other up, down and around tree trunks. We used to have seven distinct individuals visiting the feeding station but we may have to increase that number with this year’s addition of at least two adventurous kittens.

The autumn colours are fabulous and the hedgerow harvest is more abundant than we’ve seen in years. Whatever the weather is like, it is very worthwhile, both for physical and mental health, to pull on warm clothes and get out amongst it all. Breathe in the scents and make the most of the season – once it’s gone, we’ll have to wait a whole year for this unique beauty to return.

With the long hours of darkness, on a clear night we can admire the moon and stars. Do you know where to find Orion’s Belt? or the Big Dipper … or find the North Star? Loch of the Lowes is a dark sky area and Robert Law from Dundee Observatory has kindly agreed to present a Stargazing Event here on Sunday 18th November. If you would like to come along, booking is essential. You can either give us a call (01350 727337) or book through our website   https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/event/stargazing-loch-lowes/  It runs from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and if it’s a cloudy night, don’t despair! Robert is bringing an indoor Planetarium.

We are open 10.30am-4pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday and we look forward to seeing some of you then.

Cherry