Plan A Visit
Group and Private Visits
Visiting Dumfries and Galloway
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The Castle
The Buccleuch Collection
The Douglas Family
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The Adventure Playground
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Larchwood Cabin
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The Castle Stableyard
Activities with Scottish Assault Courses
Our Sister Estates
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Clay Pigeon Shooting
Game Shooting
Simulated Game
Simulated Stalking
Buccleuch Gundogs
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Ancient Trees
Each location chosen reflects a range of themes from conservation to Royal, history, children, education, literature/creative arts, science, communities, health and wellbeing. Each tree has its own story to tell. By sharing these stories, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations. Drumlanrig’s two trees featured – the Drumlanrig Douglas and the Drumlanrig Sycamore – have stood here for hundreds of years. If only their branches could speak…
The Drumlanrig Douglas
Thought to be the first Douglas Fir in the UK, this magnificent tree was planted from a seed sent from the Pacific Northwest by David Douglas – the great plant explorer – to his brother John. John was Master of Works on the Queensberry Estate and, following David’s instructions, planted the seeds in 1829. This Douglas Fir is now a rich habitat within the Estate and the species is planted throughout the UK.
The Drumlanrig Sycamore
The Drumlanrig Sycamore is truly ancient. Even at over 300 years old, the tree continues to grow in the grounds of Drumlanrig Castle and is one of the largest in Britain. Sycamores are not native to Britain but are thought to have been introduced from mainland Europe by the Romans and are now found throughout many woods, parks and gardens. If you stand below the perfect domed canopy, you will see the cathedral-like vault above. Its weathered roots are now exposed, cascading down the banking. In the autumn, before the leaves are shed, a patchwork of colours decorates the canopy.
Ancient Woodland at our Sister Estate
Our sister estate, Dalkeith Country Park, near Edinburgh, is also featured in The Queen’s Green Canopy. The Old Oak Wood has stood for hundreds of years and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You can take a walk through it today.