The reserve contains a variety of wetland, woodland and grassland habitats. Notable communities include scarce aquatic plant communities, wet woodland and moorland. The northern part of the loch is densely populated with reeds, rushes and sedges, the luxuriant growth resulting from the sheltered, shallow conditions. To the south-west of the loch lies a wet wood, or carr, consisting of mature willows, birch and alder. The loch is also a haven for a variety of wintering and breeding wildfowl, the tufted duck being a notable inclusion. It is rich in invertebrate life, including the uncommon azure damselfly. The water lobelia is a local speciality, flowering in the shallows in July. There are superb views of Ben Lomond from the high point on Muirhouse Muir, and the muir supports a variety of resident birds, including black grouse and curlew, as well as summer visitors such as whinchat and cuckoo.
2011-05-04 11:36
Walking information:
Well marked paths run directly from the parking areas.
Grazing animals:
yes
Reserver deep link:
http://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/loch-ardinning/
Location type:
Wildlife or nature reserve