Reserves and species

Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Bawsinch and Duddingston

Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch is a haven for wildlife in the heart of Edinburgh. Most of the reserve is a SSSI designated for its loch and associated fringing aquatic vegetation. It is the only remaining natural freshwater loch in the City of Edinburgh and supports the largest reedbed in the city. On the southeast and west edges, there is a band of marshland with reedbeds and willow and poplar woodland, which supports breeding waterfowl and nesting herons. The woodland in the south-east of the reserve was planted by SWT and includes most native UK species.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
27.02
Short Description: 
Birch and juniper woodland with beautiful views of the valley below
Smartphone Description: 
Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch is a haven for wildlife in the heart of Edinburgh. It is the only remaining natural freshwater loch in the City of Edinburgh and supports the largest reedbed in the city. On the southeast and west edges, there is a band of marshland with reedbeds and willow and poplar woodland, which supports breeding waterfowl and nesting herons
Location
Address: 
The reserve lies 3 km from the centre of Edinburgh, at the southern end of Holyrood Park. South of Duddingston Village
Town: 
Edinburgh
County: 
City of Edinburgh
Postcode: 
EH15 3PX
Grid ref: 
NT284725
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access info: 
Northern shore is open all year. Access to the southern shore by prior arrangement. The northern shore is accessible from the car park just west of Duddingston Village. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Walking information: 
The northern shore is accessible from the car park just west of Duddingston Village. Access to the southern shore is by prior arrangement only.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/bawsinch-and-duddingston/
Photos
Photo: 
Bawsinch and Duddingston
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Balnaguard Glen

A fairly steep, rough, though signposted circular route offers good views of the valley below and leads through stands of juniper (SSSI designation) onto higher ground before returning through birch and juniper woodland.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
70.07
Short Description: 
Birch and juniper woodland with beautiful views of the valley below
Smartphone Description: 
A fairly steep, rough, though signposted circular route offers good views of the valley below and leads through stands of juniper (SSSI designation) onto higher ground before returning through birch and juniper woodland.
Location
Address: 
12km from Pitlochry
Town: 
Pitlochry
County: 
Perthshire
Postcode: 
PH9 0PY
Grid ref: 
NN939513
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Stiles steep rough footpath. Landslips make certain areas (away from footpath) dangerous. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/balnaguard-glen/
Photos
Photo: 
Balnaguard Glen
Best time to visit
Start: 
June
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Shewalton Sandpits

Covering 15 ha, this reserve comprises former sand and gravel workings on either side of the Ayr Road out of Irvine. On the west side there is a deep pond, some dense native scrub, a conifer plantation and an area of species-rich grassland. On the east side there is a mosaic of dune heath/grassland, wetland, woodland, native scrub and riverine habitats. The site is noteworthy for invertebrates and is botanically diverse, supporting several uncommon plants such as stag

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
15.15
Short Description: 
Former sand and gravel workings on either side of the Ayr Road out of Irvine
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve comprises former sand and gravel workings and is noteworthy for invertebrates and is botanically diverse, supporting several uncommon plants such as stag
Location
Address: 
The reserve is on either side of the A737 approximately 2km south of Irvine town centre.
Town: 
Irvine
County: 
North Ayrshire
Postcode: 
KA11 5AB
Grid ref: 
NS327371
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
The entrance is a kissing-gate beside the car park. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Walking information: 
The entrance is a kissing-gate beside the car park.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/shewalton-sandpits/
Photos
Photo: 
Shewalton Sandpits
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Knockshinnoch Lagoons

Knockshinnoch Lagoons is a haven for breeding and wintering birds. Being on a migratory route between the Solway and the Clyde, the site

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
80.90
Short Description: 
A haven for breeding and wintering birds
Smartphone Description: 
Knockshinnoch Lagoons is a haven for breeding and wintering birds. Being on a migratory route between the Solway and the Clyde, the site
Location
Address: 
Next to New Cumnock
Town: 
New Cumnock
County: 
East Ayrshire
Postcode: 
KA18 4AJ
Grid ref: 
NS608137
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
Please keep out of the wetlands for the bird breeding and safety reasons. The entrance from the car park is through a kissing gate under a stone arch. The entrance from the town is through a kissing gate at the foot of the lane. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Walking information: 
The entrance from the car park is through a kissing gate under a stone arch. The entrance from the town is through a kissing gate at the foot of the lane.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/knockshinnoch-lagoons/
Photos
Photo: 
Knockshinnoch Lagoons
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Gailes Marsh

Gailes Marsh is a field of coastal grassland and mixed woodland with an area of marsh and open water. Horses graze from Autumn to Spring to control the vigorous grasses that would out-compete the wildflowers. Their trampling on the edge of the marsh allows the rare annual plant, yellow bartsia, to germinate. This is a good site for seeing butterflies and day-flying moths.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
17.87
Short Description: 
A field of coastal grassland and mixed woodland
Smartphone Description: 
Gailes Marsh is a field of coastal grassland and mixed woodland with an area of marsh and open water. Horses graze from Autumn to Spring to control the vigorous grasses that would out-compete the wildflowers. Their trampling on the edge of the marsh allows the rare annual plant, yellow bartsia, to germinate. This is a good site for seeing butterflies and day-flying moths.
Location
Address: 
3 miles from Irvine
Town: 
Irvine
County: 
North Ayrshire
Postcode: 
KA11 5AE
Grid ref: 
NS324358
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access info: 
Walk east along the cycletrack to a stile at the reserve sign. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park on the grass beside the short lane off the access road to Western Gailes Golf Course.
Walking information: 
Walk east along the cycletrack to a stile at the reserve sign.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/gailes-marsh/
Photos
Photo: 
Gailes Marsh
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Isle of Eigg

SWT is a member of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust which manages much of the island. Eigg is exceptionally diverse for a small island with coast, unimproved farmland, willow and hazel scrub, native woodland, raised bog and moorland. There are 3 SSSI's on the island. Eigg is a fascinating island to visit on a day trip or for longer.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Short Description: 
An exceptionally diverse small island
Smartphone Description: 
SWT is a member of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust which manages much of the island. Eigg is exceptionally diverse for a small island with coast, unimproved farmland, willow and hazel scrub, native woodland, raised bog and moorland. There are 3 SSSI's on the island. Eigg is a fascinating island to visit on a day trip or for longer
Location
Address: 
The nearest mainland town is Maillaig, some 16 miles (26km) from Eigg by the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry
Town: 
Mallaig
County: 
Highlands
Postcode: 
PH42 4RL
Grid ref: 
NM474875
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
During the summer months a private ferry runs each day except Thursday from Arisaig. Otherwise the Calmac ferry runs from Mallaig.
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
Baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access info: 
Access to this island is by ferry. For sailing details look at www.calmac.co.uk or www.arisaig.co.uk. From the ferry head to the shop where there is an interpretive panel and walks guides available. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Walking information: 
From the ferry head to the shop where there is an interpretive panel and walks guides available
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/isle-of-eigg/
Photos
Photo: 
Isle of Eigg
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
June
Best time to visit
Start: 
July
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Barnyards Marsh

Barnyards Marsh is a small but fascinating wetland reserve, with a range of vegetation types including sedges, reed canary grass and mosses. It supports breeding populations of reed buntings and sedge warblers and attracts snipe in winter. A range of wetland plants including Marsh Marigold, Watercress and Ragged Robin. A small pond with wooden decking and a network of paths have been built.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
0.85
Short Description: 
A small but fascinating wetland reserve
Smartphone Description: 
Barnyards Marsh is a small but fascinating wetland reserve, with a range of vegetation types including sedges, reed canary grass and mosses. It supports breeding populations of reed buntings and sedge warblers and attracts snipe in winter. A range of wetland plants including Marsh Marigold, Watercress and Ragged Robin. A small pond with wooden decking and a network of paths have been built
Location
Address: 
Nearest town Elie 3km
Town: 
Elie
County: 
Fife
Postcode: 
KY9 1PA
Grid ref: 
NO485022
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access info: 
Conditions may be wet, appropriate footwear advised. Please stay on the path. Dog walking is discouraged. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/barnyards-marsh/
Photos
Photo: 
Barnyards Marsh
Best time to visit
Start: 
June
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Auchalton Meadow

This 14.4ha reserve comprises grassland, woodland and scrub on the site of former lime workings. Relicts of this short-lived 19th century rural industry include old kilns, spoil mounds, old roads, habitations and a small quarry. Species-rich, orchid-rich grassland punctuated by thorny shrubs has developed on the limestone spoil while the quarry has filled with native ash woodland. The reserve also has an attractive strip of ancient woodland along a rocky burn as well as areas of rushy and boggy ground.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
11.92
Short Description: 
Grassland, woodland and scrub on the site of former lime workings
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve comprises grassland, woodland and scrub on the site of former lime workings. Relicts of this short-lived 19th century rural industry include old kilns, spoil mounds, old roads, habitations and a small quarry. Species-rich, orchid-rich grassland punctuated by thorny shrubs has developed on the limestone spoil while the quarry has filled with native ash woodland
Location
Address: 
2 miles from Crosshill
Town: 
Crosshill
County: 
South Ayrshire
Postcode: 
KA19 7QF
Grid ref: 
NS335036
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
We recommend you avoid exploring the quarry for safety reasons. Enter through the field gate near the blue sign. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
No
Walking information: 
Enter through the field gate near the blue sign.
Grazing animals: 
yes
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/auchalton-meadow/
Photos
Photo: 
Auchalton Meadow
Best time to visit
Start: 
June
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Carlingnose Point

Carlingnose Point is not just known for its impressive habitat and plant diversity but also a great place to spot bird life in the Forth Estuary. The exeptional plantlife mean that this site is designated a SSSI. Dropwort, a notable plant rarity in Scotland is found along with other locally scarce plants. Dropwort, a rare Scottish species, occurs on the grassland, as do a few locally scarce species such as Field Gentian and Bloody Cransebill.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
5.98
Short Description: 
An impressive habitat and plant diversity and a great place to spot bird life in the Forth Estuary
Smartphone Description: 
Carlingnose Point is not just known for its impressive habitat and plant diversity but also a great place to spot bird life in the Forth Estuary. Dropwort, a notable plant rarity in Scotland is found along with other locally scarce plants. Harebell, Common Meadow-rue and Bell Heather can also be found. Two notable millipede species, a Blaniulid snake milliped and the flat-back millipede, and a notable centipede species occur on the reserve. Its spectacular location on the Firth of Forth makes the reserve a good site to see migrant birds on passage along the coast
Location
Address: 
East side of North Queensferry
Town: 
North Queensferry
County: 
Fife
Postcode: 
KY11 1EU
Grid ref: 
NT135809
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access info: 
Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/carlingnose-point/
Photos
Photo: 
Carlingnose Point
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by scottish
2011-05-04 11:37

Ayr Gorge Woodlands

An important woodland site associated with the River Ayr. Much of the woodland is ancient and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Oak is a key component of the canopy although ash dominates in one area and there is a block of semi-mature larch. Very old beech trees can be found at strategic points. The reserve supports a diversity of plants, fungi, birds, invertebrates and other fauna. Notable species can be found in each of the aforementioned categories, examples of which are wood fescue, Dutch rush and five different types of bat.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Size: 
40.47
Short Description: 
An important woodland site associated with the River Ayr
Smartphone Description: 
An important woodland site associated with the River Ayr. Much of the woodland is ancient and oak is a key component of the canopy. The reserve supports a diversity of plants, fungi, birds, invertebrates and other fauna. Notable species can be found in each of the aforementioned categories, examples of which are wood fescue, Dutch rush and five different types of bat. Diversity and rarity of species can be attributed to natural decomposition processes resulting in what is known as a saproxylic community.
Location
Address: 
At Failford village, on the B743
Town: 
Mauchline
County: 
South Ayrshire
Postcode: 
KA5 5NS
Grid ref: 
NS457249
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access info: 
The main entrance is at the west end of Failford village, on the south side of the road, at the blue sign. Contact the Trust for disabled access information
Parking: 
Yes
Walking information: 
The main entrance is at the west end of Failford village, on the south side of the road, at the blue sign. The reserve can also be accessed from the opposite end from the River Ayr Way.
Grazing animals: 
no
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
0131 312 4765
Reserve email address: 
enquiries@swt.org.uk
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/ayr-gorge-woodlands/
Photos
Photo: 
Ayr Gorge Woodlands
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve