Thursday, 16 February 2012

Guided Walks

Watermead Country Park

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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

 

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

Balranald Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
640 hectares
Environment Type: 

Coastal, machair, grassland, lochs.

Region: 
Hebrides
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

North Scotland Regional Office Etive House Beechwood Park Inverness IV2 3BW Tel: 01463 715000

Contact Information: 

Nr BayheadNorth UistWestern IslesTel: 01876 560287

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Balranald
County: 
Western Isles
Grid Reference: 
NF706707
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Place Description: 

Balranald Nature Reserveset is mostly set on machair (extensive low-lying fertile plain) is a haven for waders and seabirds as well as some beautiful carpet machair flowers and associated insect life. A Visitors/Information Centre provides an explaination of the importance of traditional crofting agriculture for corncrakes and other wildlife. There is a circular nature trail through the croft land of the reserves, which is 3 miles in length, isitors should allow around 2-3 hours to complete it. The trail goes through wildflower-rich machair and round a bird-rich headland. A wide selection of wildlife can been seen, from wading birds to the elusive otter.

Habitat: 

The habitats include rocky headlands, sandy bays, dunes, machair, grassland, marshes and lochs. The machair, the wonderful grassland dominated by dozens of wildflowers that is unique to the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland, is spectacular when in flower.

Wildlife Description: 

Balranald Nature Reserve is famous for corncrakes that are now one of Europe's most endangered species and whose last stronghold is the Scottish Islands. There are also many other species here such as Twites, Skylarks, Meadow pipets, Corn Bunting and House Sparrows that feed near the car park. Many Hebridean and Western Isles, including Coll, Tiree and the Uists, now have corncrake populations that are numbering over 100, with Islay and Iona not too far behind. So successful has the conservation and management for corncrakes been in this region that several young birds from the islands have now been re-located to boost a reintroduction scheme in East Anglia.

Directions: 

By car: The resere is three miles north of Bayhead. Turn for Hougharry off the A865. Bus: A Post bus service runs past the reserve. Contact Royal Mail for details.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for wildflowers, breeding birds, dragonflies and butterflies. Autumn and Winter for migratory birds. In early May it can be an excellent site for watching skuas on passage. Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas often pass by in large numbers if there are strong W to SW winds. Over 200 have been recorded on a single day under favourable conditions.

Keen of Hamar

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Facts
Environment Type: 

Barren rock

Region: 
Shetlands
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 

The Reserve Manager SNH Ground Floor Stewart Building Alexandra Wharf, Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0LL Tel: 01595 693345 e-mail northern_isles@snh.gov.uk

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Baltasound
County: 
Shetland
Grid Reference: 
HP645098
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Place Description: 

The visitors first impressions of the Keen of Hamar is probably of a stony wasteground, a barren, bleak and lifeless rocky desert. A closer look will reward the visitor with a carpet of tiny and often very rare plants. This lunar landscape has a special appeal all of its own, and for a botanist it is sheer paradise. In Summer visitors will be surprised to see numerous people going about on their hands and knees. It is just some of the many botanists who flock here to explore the miniature mosaic of specially adapted plants nestling between the stones..

Habitat: 

Hamar means "rocky outcrop on the hillside" and the soil here is among the oldest and poorest in Britain and the landscape probably resembles what most of Northern Europe would have looked like as the ice retreated after the last ice age over 10,000 years ago. The rock type at the Keen of Hamar is serpentine and where it weathers, it produces large numbers of small angular fragments known as `debris'. Serpentine outcrops occur elsewhere in Unst, on the neighbouring island of Fetlar, in Cornwall, on the islands of Rum and Skye, and in small areas of Fife and Aberdeenshire. What is unique about the Keen of Hamar however is the extent of serpentine debris, which makes it one of the largest expanses in Europe.

Wildlife Description: 

Some of Britain's rarest flowers grow here, including northern rock cress, Norwegian sandwort and rarest of all; Edmondston's chickweed, which is only found on the serpentine debris on Unst. This plant, which is also known as Shetland Mouse-Ear was discovered in 1837 by the12-year-old Thomas Edmondston of Buness, who water appointed Professor of Botany at the Anderson University of Glasgow. He published A Flora of Shetland in 1845, but was tragically killed the following year, aged only 20 while on a scientific expedition to South America. The visitor can enjoy the sight of numerous species of seabird around the coastline.

Directions: 

Car: The reserve is signposted from the A968 road, follow the sign to the car park at the end of the minor road; there is a 200 metre path to the reserve. Bus: A daily bus service operates between Lerwick and Baltasound and it is usually possible to make the return journey in a day by public transport. The bus stop is at the end of the Hamar road, half a kilometre from the reserve car park.

Best Time to Visit: 

The Keen of Hamar is open all year round but the flowers are best seen in May, June and July, while birdlife aroung the coast is best seen in Spring.

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.

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.

Mousa Island

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Facts
Environment Type: 

Small Island

Region: 
Shetland
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

RSPB East House Sumburgh Head Lighthouse Virkie Shetland ZE3 9JN Tel: (01950) 460800

Contact Information: 

Tom Jamieson - Ferry service to the Island. Tel: 01950 431367 . Mobile: 07901 872339

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Lerwick
County: 
Shetland
Grid Reference: 
HU435248
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Place Description: 

Mousa is most famous for its 2000 year old Iron Age brochs, which is the best-preserved broch in the world. These Brochs provide ideal nesting sites for Storm Petrels, which only come ashore at night, having spent most of the day at sea feeding. A night-time trip is essential to experience thousands of storm petrels returning to the island.

Habitat: 

The isle of Mousa is a small, uninhabited bit of land off the east coast of Shetland's South Mainland, which can be reached by a short ferry ride. The island is rich in plantlife and birdlife, and is notable for breeding Arctic terns, black guillemots, skuas, shags and ringed plovers.

Wildlife Description: 

Mousa is an excellent place to observe seabird colonies breeding, and the visitor can see Storm Petrels, Arctic Terns, Black Guillemots, Arctic Skuas, Red-Throated Divers, Great Skuas, Ringed Plovers, Oystercatchers, Eider Duck and Puffins. Mousa Sound is one of the best places in Britain to see marine mammals such as Harbour Seals, Common Seals, Porpoises, Dolphins, Otters and Killer and Minke Whales. The adults give birth in the summer, when it is common to see them swimming with their new offspring feeding on the Sandeels. Visitors should be aware that Arctic Terns fiercely guard their nests and will divebomb visitors who get too close to their nest.

Directions: 

Mousa is only accessible by boat. The ferry departs from Leebotten, Sandwick, on the east coast of the Mainland of Shetland, about halfway between Lerwick and Sumburgh Airport. Tom Jamieson (tel: 01950 431367) runs the ferry service and there are daytime trips and a unique, night-time trip to observe the nocturnal storm petrels. The ferry crossing lasts about 15 minutes.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for breeding seabirds and mammals.

Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve

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Facts
Environment Type: 

Coastal cliffs

Region: 
Aberdeenshire
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

RSPB East Scotland Regional Office 10 Albyn Terrace Aberdeen Aberdeenshire AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 624824

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Stonehaven
County: 
Aberdeenshire
Grid Reference: 
NO879808
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Place Description: 

The reserve is located only 15 miles from Aberdeen city centre and stretches from Crawton North, past the strangely named Hogs Holes, Henry's Scorth and Dovethirl Coves to Tremuda Bay. Through Lottery Funding the RSPB has now doubled the size of the reserve, which now extends just south of the imposing ruin of Dunnoter Castle.

Habitat: 

High cliffs, rocky shore and grassland at the top of the cliffs.

Wildlife Description: 

Fowlsheugh supports one of the three largest seabird colonies on mainland Britain. The reserve in known mainly for it's breeding seabird and during the breeding season over 130,000 birds nest on the cliff faces on the reserve. Birds seen include Guillemots, Shag, Razorbills and Kittiwakes, Puffins and Fulmars. Mammals that can be spotted include Grey seals, Bottlenose and White Beaked Dolphins, Otter and Minke whales.

Directions: 

Car: The reserve is approximately 3 miles south of Stonehaven on the A92 road. There is parking for 12 cars. Bus: There is a equest bus stop at start of road to Crawton (Stonehaven to Johnshaven route) just over a mile's walk from the reserve.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer for breeding seabirds. From May to July there are boat trips from Stonehaven visit the cliffs in the evening to watch the nesting seabirds. Visitors are requested not to bring dogs onto the reserve (guide dogs allowed). Two sets of steps at the beginning of the reserve make Fowlsheugh inaccessible for wheelchair users and less accessible for other disabled visitors.

Vane Farm Nature Reserve

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Facts
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural History & RSPB
Address: 

RSPB Vane Farm Nature Reserve Kinross KY13 7LX Tel:01577 862355

Contact Information: 

The Reserve ManagerSNHThe PierKinrossKY13 8UFTel: 01577 864439

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Kinross
County: 
Perth & Kinross
Grid Reference: 
NT160990
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Place Description: 

Vane Farm is part of the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve on the south shore of Loch Leven. The reserve has a Visitors Centre with five telescopes and binoculars, that can be hired in the shop. There are three hides at the lochside and three nature trails taking in the loch shore, wetlands and surrounding moorland and woods, though not really suitable for disabled visitors. Vane Farm Visitor Centre is open 10 am-5 pm daily, and the trails and hides are open 24 hours a day throughout the year (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and 2 January). Prices (2009): Adults £3, children 50p, concessions £2, family £6 and RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members are free.

Habitat: 

Vane Farm Reserve consists of a variety of habitats on the shore of Loch Leven, from wetland, marsh, wet grassland, moorand and woodland, all supporting a wide variety of wildlife.

Wildlife Description: 

A wide variety of wildfowl can be seen on and around the loch, including Tufted, Mallard, Shoveller, Redshank and Oystercatcher. Flock of up to 25,000 Pink Footed Geese can be seen in the Autumn feeding on the marshes around the loch. While Roe Deer, Fox, Stoat, Weasel and many other mammals can be spotted in and around the woolands.

Directions: 

Car: The reserve is sign posted approximately two miles east of Junction 5 of the M90. Once on the slip road take the B9097 and drive for approximately two miles. The nature centre car park is on the south (right) side of the road. Bus: A limited bus service (the 204) runs to the reserve from Kinross (4 miles) on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Best Time to Visit: 

All year round but Autumn and Winter for migratory birds.

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