Thursday, 16 February 2012

Dogs Allowed

Watermead Country Park

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Thurmaston
County: 
Leicestershire
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Wildlife Description: 

Birds

Tufted duck, Coot, Mallard, Mute Swan, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Kingfisher, Pochard, Shoveler, Bullfinch, Common Gull, Crow, Dunlin, Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Goosander, Lapwing, Shelduck, Tree Sparrow, Wigeon, Wren, Canada Goose, Moorhen

Butterflies and moths

Speckled wood, Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Cinnabar moth, Small Skipper, Ringlet, Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Banded demoiselle damselfly

Insects

Soldier Beetle, Green Bottle, Speckled Bush-Cricket,  

Other Vertibrates

Grass Snake, Grey Squirrel

 

Coll

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Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Arinagour, Coll
Grid Reference: 
NM167563
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Place Description: 

The Island of Coll  and is some 53 miles from Oban and is 13 miles long and 3 miles wide, with many unspoilt white sandy beaches.The isle of Coll is a small hebridean island some four miles west of Mull and enjoys a mild climate with a high sunshine record. Coll has a population of around 200 all-year residents, and much more in the summer months.

Habitat: 

An island with sand and rocky coastline, machair, hills and lochs.

Wildlife Description: 

Corncrake, Puffins, Gannet, Manx Shearwaters, Melin, Hen Harrier, Divers, Redshanks, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Purple Sandpiper, Lapwing, Sea Eagles, Snipe, Skylark, Barnacle and Greenland White-Fronted Geese and Long Tailed Duck  are just some of the birds the visitor can see. There are also colonies of Common and Grey Seals and also Otters.
When the machair, which is smooth turf growing on a lime rich soil of ground seashell fragments is in full flower, over 300 types of flowering plants can be found, including many species of orchids. This area also supports important insect populations including two rare types of bee - the Great Yellow Bumblebee and a mining bee called Colletes floris as well as Butterflies, Dragon and Damselfy's.

Directions: 

Coll is reached by ferry from Oban, Landing at Arinagour on Coll. Contact Caledonian MacBrayne.
Tel: 08705 650000.
The RSPB Reserve is located 6 miles west of Arinagour, Isle of Coll, on the B8070 road.
 

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for breeding birds, Insects and Wildflowers.

Wood of Cree Nature Reserve

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Facts
Environment Type: 

Deciduous woodland and river

Region: 
Dumfries & Galloway
Site Owned By: 
RSPB
Site Managed By: 
RSPB & Cree Valley Community Woodland Trust
Address: 

South and West Scotland Regional Office
10 Park Quadrant
Glasgow
G3 6BS
Tel: 0141 331 0993
 

Contact Information: 

Cree Valley Community Woodlands Trust

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Newton Stewart
County: 
Dumfries & Galloway
Grid Reference: 
NX381708
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Place Description: 

The Wood of Cree is the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland and has a history of intensive management. Most of the oak trees show evidence of coppicing which started during the 17th century and continued until the mid 20th century. The wood was virtually clear felled by 1920. The Woodland Management is aiming at returning it to high forest, enhancing the biodiversity and extending the area of deciduous woodland habitat, and developing visitor access. The RSPB has recently purchased land adjacent to Cree Wood and is in the process of planting some 250,000 native seedlings of Oak, Birch, Ash,Alder and Willow. This will create around 670 acres of new woodland and, through sensible management, will significantly extend precious habitat for populations of threatened woodland birds like the black grouse. It will also create a larger continuous complex of native woodland up the Cree Valley.
 

Habitat: 

Very picturesque woodland that is carpeted in Bluebells and Primroses in Spring, streams, glades with nature trails and an Otter viewing platfom over the river. There is a car park and picnic area with tables and benches. The RSPB plans to re-establish the natural flood plain along the River Cree to help create areas of wetland that will benefit breeding wading species including Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Curlew – as well as the Otter. Grazing livestock would help to keep these areas in optimum condition for breeding waders, and help prevent scrub from encroaching.

Wildlife Description: 

Cree Wood is host to an important population of Red Squirrel. Pine martens can also be seen in the wood, along with Red and Roe Deer, Barn Owls, seven species of bat and particularly birds, like the Wood Warbler, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher. It is also one of the best places in Scotland to see Willow Tit at the edge of its northern range. Dippers and Grey Wagtails breed along the banks of the burns that flow through the woodland and Herons can be seen fishing while Buzzards soar overhead. The waterside marshes and meadows are home to Water Rails, Grasshopper Warblers, Reed Bunting and Sedge Warblers as well as many species of Dragonfly. In winter the riverside viewing platform is an excellent site for watching Goldeneye, Teal, Mallard Ducks and Whooper Swans.

Directions: 

Car: Travelling north along the minor road from Newton Stewart through Old Minnigaff then turn left past Monigaff church and continue along the minor C50 for a further three miles till you reach the car park.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for breeding birds and Autumn and Winter for migratory wildfowl.

Dogs are only allowed on public footpaths and bridleways. Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs,  provided they are kept under control.

Fairy Glen

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Facts
Region: 
Highland
Site Owned By: 
Highland Council
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Contact Information: 

Tel: 01463 715000nsro@rspb.org.uk

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Rosemarkie, on the Black Isle north of Inverness
County: 
Highland
Grid Reference: 
NH732580
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Place Description: 

Fairy Glen is an RSPB site situated close to the town of Rosemarkie, north of Inverness. The glen is well wooded with beech, rowan, ash and oak, and carpeted with Blue bells and Primroses in the Spring. The Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool, next to a spring, with flowers. This ensured the fairies kept the water supply clean.

Habitat: 

Fairy Glen is a small area of broadleaved woodland set in an attractive steep-sided valley. A fast-flowing stream runs through the glen with two lovely waterfalls at the upstream end.

Wildlife Description: 

Red Squirrels are commonly seen, while in the woodland valley keep an eye out for the Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Goldcrest, Treecreepers, Woodcocks, Sparrowhawks, Tawny & Barn owls, Red kites and buzzards. While along the stream Dippers, Grey Wagtails, Kingfishers and Herons are common.

Directions: 

By Car: From the direction of Inverness, drive through Rosemarkie village, passing the Plough Inn on the right and round the sharp left hand bend. After approx 150 m, you will see the car park on the right. By Bus: Regular buses from Inverness and Cromarty stop in the Highland Council-owned Fairy Glen reserve car park.

Best Time to Visit: 

Dogs are welcome under close control. You can walk with your dog on any land in Scotland but ask you to keep your dog close to you, preferably on a lead, especially between 1 April and 30 June, the season many birds nest on the ground. The path to the waterfalls runs for approx 1.25 miles. The steps and uneven surface make a lot of the path unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Dunnet Head RSPB Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
27 hectare
Environment Type: 

High cliffs and grassland

Region: 
Caithness
Site Owned By: 
Ben Colson
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

Etive House Beechwood Park Inverness IV2 3BW Tel: 01463 715000

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Thurso
County: 
Caithness
Grid Reference: 
ND201766
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Place Description: 

Dunnet Head is mainland Britain's most northerly point. On a clear day the visitor can enjoy some of the most extensive and breath-taking views to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom. These stunning views extend from Cape Wrath situated at the north-western tip of mainland Scotland, right through of Duncansby Head at the north-eastern tip. Looking inland, the view includes the sharp peaks of Morvern and Maiden Pap. The RSPB only started to manage this site in May 2008 and, as yet, there are no visitor facilities beyond the car park apart from some interpretation panels. .

Habitat: 

High cliffs and grassland. As part of its management of the site, the RSPB is considering establishing some arable crop and wild flowers to encourage insects and birdlife to the area.

Wildlife Description: 

The cliffs at Dunnet Head, which are 90 metres high in places, are a very important settlement for many seabirds and is of national significance for kittiwakes and guillemots, while other birds like puffins, fulmars, razorbills, shags and cormorants also breed there. The grassland on the top of the cliffs provide an ideal habitat for corncrake, great yellow bumblebee and twite.

Directions: 

Car: From the A836, take the B855 north to Brough for two miles (3 km) until you reach Dunnet Head.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for breeding birds, Autumn and Winter for migratory birds.

Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
12,795 hectares
Classification: 
Nature Conservation Review Site
Environment Type: 

Scots pinewood woodland and bogland.

Region: 
Inverness-shire
Site Owned By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage and partly by the RSPB
Address: 

The Reserves Manager Scottish Natural Heritage Achantoul Aviemore PH22 1QD Tel: 01479 810477

Contact Information: 

RSPB Nature Reserve Abernethy ForestForest LodgeNethy BridgeScotlandPH25 3EF

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Grantown on Spey
County: 
Inverness-shire
Grid Reference: 
NJ 010165
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Place Description: 

Abernethy National Nature Reserve lies on the southern fringes of the village of Nethybridge, in the Cairngorms National Park. It covers most of Abernethy Forest, the remains of an ancient Scots pine forest that at one time covered much of the Scottish Highlands and extends high into the Cairngorm Mountains.

Habitat: 

Natural Pine forest, bog woodland and moorland . Many plants and animals that are found only in the native pinewoods occur here and as such the site is of considerable national importance. Part of the site is also of geological importance.

Wildlife Description: 

The Pine Forest provides a home to many animals and birds, and it plays an important part in the ecology of this area. Some of the animals that you may see while exploring the forest are the Wild Cat, Badger, Red Squirrel, Red deer and Pine Marten. The unique woodland is also home to many varieties of birds, like the Scottish Crossbill, Black Grouse, Osprey, Goldeneye, Greenshank and Capercaillie, that use the woodland also for nesting purposes. Abernethy NNR is rich in scarce or rare insects characteristic of the native pinewoods and supports rare species of beetle, fly, spider, ant, dragonfly and moth and has the 3rd highest number of Red Data Book species for any Scottish site and over 400 species of beetle have been listed for the area. The Scotch Argus and Dark Green Fritillary butterflies are among the more widespread species that occur here while rare dragonflies like the Northern Damselfly breed in the forest mires and lochans.

Directions: 

The visitor can access the NNR from the RSPB visitor facilities at Loch Garten. Bus: There is no direct public transport available and nearest bus stop is on the B970 road. The bus route is Service 34 from Aviemore to Grantown on Spey. From here there is a footpath of 1.5 miles leading to the Osprey Centre.

Best Time to Visit: 

April to July for birds, plants and insects.

Mull of Galloway

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Facts
Environment Type: 

Coastal cliffs, grassland, beaches.

Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

Mull of Galloway RSPB Reserve Nr Drummore Stranraer Dumfries & Galloway DG9 9DH Scotland Tel: +44 (1776) 840539 E-Mail: srcdt@tiscali.co.uk

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Drummore
County: 
Dumfries & Galloway
Grid Reference: 
NX156305
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Place Description: 

The Mull of Galloway is Scotland's most southerly point and is one of its least known parts and remains an unspoiled paradise for visitors. The reserve has a viewing platform at Foghorn that overlooks the seabird colonies. Access is via steep steps and this viewing area has no disabled access. There is one circular trail that is not suitable for wheelchair or pushchairs, though wheelchair access is possible to the visitor centre and cafe.

Habitat: 

Cliffs, beaches, cliff-top grassland.

Wildlife Description: 

A variety of seabirds nest on cliffs here in the summer, including kittiwakes, shags, comorants, razorbills, guillemots and black guillemots. You may also see puffins on the sea in summer. Shearwaters and Gannets regularly fly past on their way to the breeding grounds on Mull . On top of the cliffs are Peregrine falcons, Twites, Pied Wagtail, Wheatear, Stonechats and Meadow Pipits can be seen feeding among the cliff-top meadows where many species of Flowers, Insects and Butterflies can be found.

Directions: 

By car: Five miles south of Drummore. Follow the brown tourist signs from Drummore.

Best Time to Visit: 

All year round but Spring and Summer for breeding seabirds and Insects, while Autumn and Winter are excellent times for migratory birds.

Addiewell Bing

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
21 heactares
Environment Type: 

Reclaimed derelict industrial site

Region: 
West Lothian
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Wesy Calder
County: 
West Lothian
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Place Description: 

Addiewell Bing is an old derelict industrial site that was created by shale mining spoil and is an excellent example of how a derelict industrial site - part of the oil shale industry - can be converted into an important wildlife refuge.

Habitat: 

Over the years the planting of deciduous and coniferous trees along with wildflowers has created a diverse woodland and naturally regenerated scrub, making it ideal for wildlife. Further planting of bracken, heather, open grassland and marshy ground have added to the habitat diversity.

Wildlife Description: 

Visitors can see Kingfisher, Corn Buntings, Otter, Water Vole, Barn owl, badger, Tree Sparrow, Daubenton's Bat, Natterer's Bat, Pipistrelle Bat, Reed bunting, Great Crested Newt, Palmate Newt, Smooth Newt, Skylark, Grey Partridge, Linnet, Badger, Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch

Directions: 

From the A71 turn north at West Calder onto the B792. The reserve is just over 1 mile on the right. Stiles are situated at each access point into the reserve from the road.

Best Time to Visit: 

March to June for breeding birds and June and July for wildflowers.

Ayr Gorge Woodlands

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
40 hectares
Environment Type: 

Steep gorge, river and woodland

Region: 
Ayrshire
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Address: 

Cramond House 3 Kirk Cramond Edinburgh EH4 6HZ.

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Failford
County: 
Ayrshire
Grid Reference: 
NS457249
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Place Description: 

A steep sided sandstone gorge with natural woodland thet the River Ayr flows through. There are a number of paths that go through the woodland and along the river and these can take from one to three hours depending on the route taken.

Habitat: 

Natural deciduous and coniferous woodland, grassland, river and glades.

Wildlife Description: 

The reserve supports a wide range of plants, fungi, birds, invertebrates and other fauna including Jay, Dipper, Flycatcher, Heron, Warbler and Tree creeper, Kingfisher, Otter, Water-Vole, Fox, Roe Deer, Goosander, Mallard Duck, Buzzard, Grey Squirrel and five different species of Bat. Salmon can be seen in the river heading upstream to their spawning grounds.

Directions: 

From Ayr take the A719 north-east for about 3 miles to the junction with the A77. Continue straight over the roundabout onto the B743 Mauchline road and continue until Failford. The main entrance is at the west end of Failford village, on the south side of the road, at the blue sign.

Best Time to Visit: 

May to July for birds, bats, invertebrates and woodland plants Autumn for fungi All year round for trees and spectacular scenery

Balgavies Loch

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
53 hectares
Environment Type: 

Loch and wetlands

Region: 
Angus & Dundee
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Forfar
Grid Reference: 
NO 523 516
OS Landranger Map Sheet: 
Sheet 54
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Place Description: 

This is one of a series of wetlands in the Upper Lunan Valley, Balgavies Loch is surrounded by agricultural farmland. On its southern side it is bounded by an "esker", which is a sinuous ridge of sand and gravel deposited by meltwater flowing beneath the narrow river glacier which carved out the valley. Reedbeds fringe the loch and to the west there is extensive fen, while on the higher ground there is one of the few remaining oakwoods in Angus. A circular path, which surrounds the loch has just been completed.

Habitat: 

The area has one of the most extensive wetland habitats in the area, which range from the open water of the loch to dense willow and alder carr.

Wildlife Description: 

Summer breeding birds include Mute Swan, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting and Great Crested Grebe, Wigeon, Pochard, Teal and Goldeneye while eight species of duck regularly occur on passage or in winter. Spectacular numbers of Greylag and Pink-Footed Geese congregate to roost on the water and Whooper Swans visit on passage. Red Squirrel, Foxes, Water-Vole and Deer can be found in the surrounding woodland.

Directions: 

Balgavies Loch lies north off the A932, 4 miles east of Forfar.

Best Time to Visit: 

April to July for flowers and breeding birds. October to March for wildfowl and migratory birds. The Hide is open at weekends, otherwise a key is available from Montrose Wildlife Centre. Tel: 01674 676336

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