Thursday, 16 February 2012

Free Entrance

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

 

The Loons and Loch of Banks

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
100
Classification: 
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Environment Type: 

Marshland and lochans

Region: 
Orkney
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

10 Albyn Terrace
Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
AB10 1YP
Tel: 01224 624824

Map Info
Grid Reference: 
HY246241
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Place Description: 

The reserve at The Loons is situated to the north and west of the Loch of Isbister and is a natural site with unimproved paths and trails, therefore the access in and around this site may not be suitable for all visitors.

Habitat: 

The Loons has been put forward as a candidate for designation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive. The Loons and the Loch of Banks are two separate sites, in fact over one kilometre apart, the RSPB lumps them together into one nature reserve. The reserve consists of basin mires and comprise more than 100 hectares of marsh, grassland, mire, flush, swamp and open water, of which 81 hectares are owned by RSPB. This reserve can flood entirely in winter and remains very wet throughout the summer.

Wildlife Description: 

This is an excellent site for migratory wildfowl and breeding birds where the visitor can spot hundreds of Ducks and a large numbers of White-Fronted Geese. Wigeon, Lapwing, Redshank, Shoveler and Pintail breed in nationally important numbers, with six pairs of the latter species representing 15% of the UK population. The reserve holds high densities of small birds; everything from Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings in the reedbeds to Twite, Linnet and Skylarks in more open ground. The areas of rough grassland also provide cover for the Orkney vole, and the reserve is a magnet for hunting birds of prey such as Hen Harriers, Kestrels and Short-Eared Owls. Many species of Dragon and Damselfly can be seen around the reedbeds and pools on the reserve and Otters are sometimes seen too.

Directions: 

3 miles north of Dounby on Orkney Mainland

Best Time to Visit: 

The best time to visit is probably in the Spring and  Summerwhen all of the wading birds are displaying and then breeding. There is no access road or paths to the marsh, but good views can be obtained from the road and hide.

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.

Hermaness National Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
965
Classification: 
SPA (Special Protection Area) & GCR (Geological Conservation Review site)
Environment Type: 
Island Bird Colony, rough moorland and high cliffs.
Region: 
Shetland Isles
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 
Scottish Natural Heritage Stewart Building Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0LL Tel: 01595 693345 E-mail: hermaness_nnr@snh.gov.uk
Contact Information: 
Reserve Manager SNH,Ground Floor, Stewart BuildingAlexandra WharfLerwickShetland ZE1 0LLTel: 01595 693345e-mail northern_isles@snh.gov.uk
Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Lerwick
County: 
Shetland Isles
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Place Description: 
The cliffs of Hermaness rise to over 170 metres at the Neap. It is home to more than 100,000 breeding sea birds. The swooping and diving of thousands of seabirds presents a dizzying display. There is a Visitor centre at the old lighthouse shore station, with a summer warden. The recommended walking route, which can take from 3-4 hours is over moderate ground.
Habitat: 
High cliffs and moorland with bogland, pools and small lochs further inland. There are no trees so it can be very exposed, especially in bad weather where this is little shelter.
Wildlife Description: 
Hermaness is a mecca for seabirds, with over 100 000 breeding pairs of 15 different species, including Puffins, Gannet, Great Skua, Fulmar, Shag, Raven and Kittiwake breeding on the cliffs, while inland on and around the moorland pools, Red Throated Divers, Twite, Curlew, Golden Plover, Skylark, Eider duck and many more species breed.
Directions: 
There's a daily bus service (except Sundays) from Lerwick to Haroldswick in Unst. It leaves from the Viking bus station and collects passengers from the NorthLink ferry terminal. The entrance to the reserve is 3 miles from Haroldswick. By car - From Lerwick take the ferry to Yell and follow the main road to the Gutcher ferry terminal to cross to Unst. On Unst take the road north through Baltasound, turning off just before Haroldswick onto the road signposted to Burrafirth and Hermaness.
Best Time to Visit: 
From mid May - mid July. Fog, rain and high winds can occur at very short notice. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing is recommended throughout the year. Carry water

St Kilda

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
24,201 hectares
Classification: 
Site of Special Scientific Interest, E.U. Special Protection Area, Scheduled Ancient Monument, Biosphere Reserve, National Scenic Area , National Nature Reserve
Environment Type: 
Island
Region: 
Western Isles
Site Owned By: 
National Trust for Scotland
Site Managed By: 
The National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and MoD.
Address: 
The National Trust for Scotland Western Isles Manager Balnain House 40 Huntly Street Inverness IV3 5HR Tel: 01463 232 034 Scottish Natural Heritage 135 Stilligarry South Uist HS8 5RS United Kingdom Tel: (+44) 01870 620238 http://www.snh.org.uk
Contact Information: 
St Kilda National Nature ReserveSt KildaSt KildaHSGreat BritainTel:+44(0)131 243 9300
Official Website: 
Website
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Place Description: 
The islands were bought in 1931 by an ornithologist, the 5th Marquess of Bute, who bequeathed them in 1957 to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) which has managed the reserve since May 2003 on behalf of Scottish National Heritage (SNH). This is one of the most remote reserves in Britain, but St Kilda's landscapes, birdlife and human history are truly outstanding. Remote and spectacular, the St Kilda archipelago lies 41 miles west of North Uist and is home to the largest colony of seabirds in northern Europe.
Habitat: 
St Kilda comprises four small islands: Hirta, Soay, and Dun, with Boreray around 5miles northeast, plus the islets of Stac an Armin, Stac Lee, Levenish and two stacks off Soay. The steep island coasts are riddled with caves, arches, stacks, geos and blowholes formed by frost, ice and wave action. There are no trees on the islands, scrub, bushes, grassland and moorland dominate the landscape.
Wildlife Description: 
St Kilda is home to a quarter of the world's population of northern gannets and over a million seabirds in total. St Kilda also has its own subspecies of wren and field mouse, as well as a wild flock of primitive Soay sheep. The St Kilda wren is a larger sub-species of the mainland wren found throughout the St Kilda archipelago. There are believed to be only about 113-117 pairs on Hirta. Two kinds of mice (the St Kilda house mouse and St Kilda fieldmouse) used to be found on St Kilda. Both were larger varieties (sub-species) of the mainland house mouse and wood mouse respectively. They were probably brought to St Kilda by Norsemen. The house mouse became extinct after the islanders left in 1930
Directions: 
Charter boats operate from various ports, including Mallaig and Oban. For details of times and prices, you should contact the charter boat operators directly. The journey time is dependent on weather and tide conditions, as well as the type of boat chartered. A motor vessel from Oban, for example, will probably take around 14 hours minimum to travel to St Kilda. From the Western Isles it might be around 8 hours. National Trust for Scotland Balnain House 40 Huntly Street Inverness IV3 5HR Tel: 01463 232 034 The only accommodation on the island for visitors is a small campsite, which takes a maximum of 6 people. Booking is essential and details and availability can be obtained from the above office.

Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
1677 hectares
Classification: 
NNR, BR, SPA, SSSI,
Environment Type: 

Machair grassland, coastal dunes, moorland, grassland and hills.

Region: 
Western Isles, Scotland
Site Owned By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 

Reserve Manager SNH Stilligarry South Uist HS8 5RS Tel: 01870 620238

Contact Information: 

David Maclennan32 Francis St., StornowayHS1 2ND Isle of Lewis - ScotlandUnited KingdomTel: (44.1870) 62 02 38

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Lochmaddy
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Place Description: 

The beautiful scenery couldn't be more different at the two extremes of the reserve. The western shores of the Uists are graced by mile upon mile of sandy beaches backed by the distinctive coastal grasslands - known as 'machair' - that are unique to the north of Scotland and west of Ireland. The landscape to the east form a stark contrast, where heather moorland and rough grass extend to the summits of the hills. Hecla (606 metres) is one of the highest hills and forms an impressive backdrop to the reserve.

Habitat: 

Freshwater lochs; wetland; moorland; croftland; machair; sand dunes and beach; small plantation and relict scrub on islands in the loch.

Wildlife Description: 

The coastal areas and croftland are important breeding areas for wading birds such as dunlin, redshank, lapwing and ringed plover, with corncrakes - rarely seen but often heard. The reserve is an important breeding ground fot Greylag Geese and id one of the few places where these birds do not fly north in the spring to breed. Golden Eagles and Red Grouse can be seen on the hills along with Golden Plover and numerous other species while Seal and Otters can be spotted along the coast

Directions: 

The reserve spans the A865 road in central South Uist. Ferry terminals on North Uist (Otternish and Lochmaddy) or South Uist (Lochboisdale). Daily bus service (except Sundays) runs from Lochmaddy to Lochboisdale. Weekly flights to Benbecula operate from Stornoway, Barra and Glasgow.

Best Time to Visit: 

Visitors are welcome to explore the reserve the only restriction on access is around the southwest corner of Loch Druidibeg during the bird breeding season (April to end of August).

Loch Maree Islands

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Facts
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 
Reserve Manager SNH Reserve Office Anancaun Kinlochewe Ross-shire IV22 2PA Tel: 01445 760254.
Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Poolewe
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Place Description: 
Loch Maree (loch Ma-ruibhe in Gaelic) is a loch in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. At 20 kilometres long and with a maximum width of 4 kilometres, it is the fourth largest freshwater loch in Scotland.
Habitat: 
The cluster of islands consist of three large and forty small islands, set in the widest part of Loch Maree, which sits in pine-green contrast to the dark mountain beyond. The islands woodlands are among the least disturbed in Britain and their trees, bogs and bays are havens for may kinds of wildlife.
Wildlife Description: 
The loch is an important breeding site for Black-Throated Divers while Sea Eagles and Ospryes hunt for fish around the islands. Otters can be seen around the shoreline while Red Squirrels and Red and Roe Deer inhabit the woodland.
Directions: 
Ten miles northwest of Kinlochewe, off the A832 road. There is a limited bus service from Inverness.
Best Time to Visit: 
There are no visitors facilities but there are nature trails along and around the loch itself, while from May to August boat trips operate from the Loch Maree Hotel (tel: 01445 760288), which also has a viewing hide.

Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

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Facts
Classification: 
National Nature Reserve
Environment Type: 
Mountain and upland.
Site Owned By: 
National Trust for Scotland
Address: 
Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve (NTS) By Killin Perthshire Phone: 01567 820397 / 01567 820988
Contact Information: 
NTS Ranger ServiceLynedochMain StreetKillin FK21 8UWTel: 0844 4932 136E-mail: benlawers@nts.org.uk
Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Killin
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Place Description: 
Britain's 10th highest mountain, Ben Lawers, 1214m, is well-known for its unique range of mountain plants. It is renowned for its outstanding flora. The alpine calcareous grasslands, treeline woods and rocky slopes support a diverse range of flowering plants, lichens and bryophytes.
Habitat: 
The soils on Ben Lawers are unusually rich at high altitude and support a superb collection of arctic-alpine plants and mountain scrub amidst fine upland scenery and is a botanical mecca, being home to rarities such as the Alpine Forget-me-not Myostris alpestris, Alpine Gentian Gentiana nivalis, Mountain Sandwort Minuartia rubella, Alpine Meadow-grass Poa alpina, Alpine Saxifrage Saxifraga nivalis, Alpine Lady's Mantle Alchemilla alpina and Moss Campion Silene acaulis.
Wildlife Description: 
Wildlife that can be spotted on the reserve include Red Deer, Birds of Prey, including the Golden Eagle, Osprey, Red Squirrels, Grouse and Ptarmigan.
Directions: 
Ben Lawers lies on the north side of Loch Tay, near Killin, within Breadalbane. The car park lies on a minor road off the A827 road, six miles from Killin. Parking -
Best Time to Visit: 
June to August for rare alpine plants
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