Rivers, Community and Connection: ImMerse Festival Celebrates Annandale’s Waterways

More than 100 people from across Dumfries and Galloway came together during the ImMerse Festival last week to explore the River Annan’s journey from sea to source.

The week-long festival, which ran from 20th to 27th September and is part of the SCAMP Landscape Connections’ partnership work, brought together environmental scientists, historians, artists, land managers and members of the public for a series of walks, talks and hands-on experiences that revealed the ver Annan’s role in shaping the culture, heritage and ecology of Annandale.

From the saltmarsh at Annan Harbour where the river meets the sea, to the Moffat Hills where Scotland’s great rivers begin their journeys, participants explored how human communities and natural systems have shaped each other over centuries. The programme engaged audiences of all ages, from adults to college students and Elmvale Primary School pupils, reflecting widespread interest in understanding and protecting local waterways.

Gloriously sunny weather accompanied the festival, allowing participants to experience the full diversity of the River Annan’s catchment through expert-led field sessions, riverside walks, and explorations of historic estates and innovative conservation projects.

Jenna Cairns, Communities & Business Manager at Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and D&G Climate Hub, said:

“The success of ImMerse in its second year shows how much appetite there is within our communities to connect with and understand their local environment. It’s been wonderful to see such a diverse range of participants throughout the week, all coming together to explore the River Annan and learn from each other. ImMerse has demonstrated that when you create meaningful opportunities for people to engage with nature, they respond with real enthusiasm and commitment.”

The hands-on approach was particularly valuable to young participants. Cath Seeds, Senior Lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Management and SRUC’s Barony Campus said:

“The saltmarsh science event provided an ideal connection to a module we’re currently running on the Wildlife and Conservation degree, so it was fantastic to bring along a group of students. The session was excellent, offering a fascinating insight into the science behind saltmarsh surveying and its restoration potential. A clear sign of how much they enjoyed it was the lively chatter on the journey back to campus, as they discussed possible research projects and saltmarsh studies they’d like to get involved in.”

The festival programme emphasised how science plays a crucial role in creating healthy rivers and saltmarsh ecosystems. By combining citizen science training with cultural history and practical conservation examples, ImMerse showed participants how they can contribute to the long-term health of their local environment.

Throughout the week, speakers shared their knowledge and insights, while highlighting opportunities for nature restoration. From Alexander Bell-Irving’s 825-year family connection with the River Annan, to David Johnstone’s innovative hydroelectric schemes, and John Wallace’s artistic exploration of climate change in upland watersheds, the festival demonstrated the many ways people engage with and care for their local waterways.

Jenna added:

“We are grateful to all the speakers who generously shared their expertise and passion, and to everyone who joined us on this adventure from sea to source. The enthusiasm and engagement we’ve seen this week gives real hope for the future of our riverscapes.”

The ImMerse – From Sea to Source Festival is part of SCAMP Landscape Connections project, which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. ImMerse was delivered by a partnership including SCAMP Landscape Connections, D&G Climate Hub, Solway Firth Partnership, Galloway Fisheries Trust, local people who work with the riverscape, and Annan Harbour Action Group, and is supported by funding from Net Zero Scotland.