Hides

Watermead Country Park

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Thurmaston

County:

Leicestershire

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Information

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

Dunnet Head

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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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Information

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.

Fetlar

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Facts

Environment Type:

Small Island

Region:

Shetland

Site Managed By:

RSPB

Address:

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

Official Website:

Website

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Baltasound, Unst

County:

Shetland

Grid Reference:

HU655900

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Information

Place Description:

The north and eastern part of Fetlar is largely owned by the RSPB who manage it as a nature reserve. Fetlar was home to the only known breeding Snowy Owls in Britain, but unfortunately they no longer occur here. The coastline along Funzie Bay is the most picturesque and the headland to the south of Trestam Lambhoga, was where the islanders once dug peat for fuel. It now makes an excellent long walk where visitors can see thousands of puffins nesting between late April and early August. On the north west coast Gruting has a range of cliffs and sandy beaches.

Habitat:

Fetlar's fertile soils and green landscape have led to its reputation as the Garden of Shetland, where in Spring and Summer it is covered in wildflowers. The main habitat of the reserve is upland serpentine mire that supports an important population of breeding Red-Necked Phalaropes, which has 90% of Britain's breeding population and can be seen from the RSPB hide or at the Loch of Funzie. There are an estimated 30-40 pairs in Fetlar which is largely due to conservation efforts of the RSPB, local crofters, landowners and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Wildlife Description:

In Spring the visitor can spot Whooper swans, Purple Sandpipers, Eiders, Goldeneyes and passage migrants on the reserve and surrounding area. Otters can also be found along the coast. In Summer, Red-necked phalaropes, Snipe, Curlews, Redshanks, Lapwings and Teals can be spotted at Mires of Funzie. Red-throated divers can be seen at Loch of Funzie. Areas around the reserve hold Whimbrels, Golden Plovers, Dunlins, Arctic terns, Great and Arctic skuas. Wetland flowers at the Mires of Funzie are at their best in late July and into August. In Autumn and Winter passage migrants in and around the reserve including Red-breasted Merganser, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Great Skua, Redwings, Long Tailed Ducks, Great Northern Divers and Whooper Swans.

Directions:

Car: To get to Fetlar Island from Mainland Shetland requires two ferry crossings. The first is from Toft, Mainland to Ulsta, Yell. Then a 25 minute drive north to Gutcher, Yell for the ferry to Hamarsness, Fetlar. There are no petrol stations on Fetlar so fill up the car before you go. For ferry times and bookings Tel: 01957 722259. Booking office opening hours: 8.30am-4.45 pm. Bus: There is also an "Overland bus" service that runs from the Viking bus station in Lerwick on the Mainland to Yell, Unst and Fetlar which picks up the above ferries to reach the islands. There is no public transport in Fetlar itself and no petrol or diesel fuel for sale. Once you get onto Fetlar there is no other public transport.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit and observe the Red Necked Phalaropes is June and July when they may be seen from the hide, feeding along the shores of Loch Funzie.

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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Information

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

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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Information

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.

Baron's Haugh

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Facts

Size (Hectares):

107

Environment Type:

River, Loch, wetland, meadows and reedbeds.

Region:

South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Site Managed By:

RSPB

Contact Information:

Site Manager: Nick Chambers10 Park QuadrantGlasgowG3 6BS.Tel: 0141 331 0993

Official Website:

Website

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Motherwell

County:

South Lanarkshire

Grid Reference:

NS755548

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Information

Place Description:

Baron's Haugh is a haven for migratory birds that use the loch and nearby River Clyde to rest and feed. It is also one of the few places in Southern Scotland where the Nuthatch can be seen. There are pathways around the loch and throughout the surrounding estate, some are wheelchair friendly but can be muddy in wet weather. There are 4 basic hides set near the water's edge for photographers and wildfowl enthusiasts but no viewing equipment.

Habitat:

There is a wide range of habitat, from meadows, riverbank and woodland to reedbeds and marshes, while the main body of water (20 hectares) is controlled by a sluice gate. This enables wildfowl to nest in safety and exposes areas of mudflats for migratory waders and wildfowl.

Wildlife Description:

There is a wide range of birdlife all year round at the reserve and these include: Whooper Swans, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Ruff, Gadwall, Goldcrest and several species of Duck are only a few of the species found on the water while Green and Great Spottwed Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Peregrine, Buzzard and Sandmartin can be readily seen. Nuthatches, which are rare in Scotland have been breeding here succesfully since 2004.

Directions:

From Junction 6 of the M74, take the road to Motherwell. Bear right at the next traffic lights sign posted to Wishaw. Turn right at the third mini-roundabout, and follow the road to the junction, turn left then immediately right to enter the reserve; the car park is on the right. It is advisable to park cars near the end of this street and walk down, as the car park on the Reserve is isolated and unattended.

Best Time to Visit:

All year round as there is always wildfowl, either natural or migratory on the loch. Late Summer and Autumn are good times to visit for the wide range of Fungi founf in the surrounding meadow and woodland.

Little Wittenham Nature Reserve

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Facts

Classification:

SSSI, AONB, SAM

Site Owned By:

Northmoor Trust

Site Managed By:

Northmoor Trust

Address:

Northmoor Trust Hill Farm Little Wittenham Abingdon Oxon OX14 4QZ

Official Website:

Website

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Wallingford

County:

Oxfordshire

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Information

Place Description:

Little Wittenham Nature reserve is best known for the two hills that dominate the local landscape, Round Hill & Castle Hill which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Both give panoramic views over Oxfordshire. The reserve is approximately half woodland and half grassland which is grazed by cattle & sheep. There are also two large ponds and the River Thames forms part of the reserves boundaries. It is part of the North Wessex Downs

Habitat:

Grassland, Deciduous woodland, ponds

Wildlife Description:

The two large ponds and woodlands have been recognised due to the presence of the great crested newt, breeding dragonflies and other breeding amphibians. It is home to a wide variety of woodland birds & birds of prey including Red Kites & Goshawks.

Directions:

Signposted from the A4130 between Didcot & Wallingford. 5 miles south of Oxford

Best Time to Visit:

Busy at peak times - school holidays & bank holidays. Limited parking - car park can get full at peak times.

Mersehead Nature Reserve

Facts

Environment Type:

Sea, shore, sand, fresh water, wildlife.

Region:

Dumfries & Galloway

Site Owned By:

RSPB

Site Managed By:

RSPB

Address:

Mersehead (RSPB) Southwick Dumfries DG2 8AH Tel: 01387 780 298 Tel: 01387 780 579

Contact Information:

rspb.scotland@rspb.org.uk

Official Website:

Website

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Dalbeattie

County:

Dumfries & Galloway

Grid Reference:

NX928566

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Information

Place Description:

Located between the Solway coastline and hills, the reserve is a haven for large numbers of birds, invertebrates and wildflowers. The reserve has a Visitors Centre with educational facilities, hides and a variety of habitats to explore. There are a couple of nature trails, one a coastal trail of 2.4 miles and a short wetland trail of 1.2 miles.

Habitat:

Saltmarsh (merse) , wet grassland, fresh water lochs, sandflats, woodland and farmland.

Wildlife Description:

Mersehead is a haven for birdlife, wildflowers and insects. Some of the breeding species include Snipe, Skylark, Redshank and Curlew, Reed Buntings, Sedge Warblers and Barn Owls. In Autumn there are thousands of Barnacle and Greylag Geese, while migrating waders such as Pintail, Godwits, Greenshank and Sandpipers feed on the wetlands During Winter large flocks of Tree Sparrow and Twite feed on the farmland and Short Eared Owls and Merlin hunt in the fields.

Directions:

Car: 18 miles SW of Dumfries on the A710. Just before Caulkerbush Ttake the first turn on the left after Southwick Home Farm. Bus: A daily rural bus service runs from Dumfries and stops 1 mile from the reserve on the A710.

Best Time to Visit:

All year round.

Loch of Strathbeg

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Facts

Size (Hectares):

2300

Classification:

Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Environment Type:

Inland freshwater dune loch.

Region:

Aberdeenshire

Site Owned By:

RSPB

Site Managed By:

RSPB

Contact Information:

RSPB Loch of StrathbegTel: 01346 532 017

Official Website:

Website

Map Info

Nearest Town:

Fraserburgh

County:

Aberdeenshire

Grid Reference:

NK055577

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Information

Place Description:

Loch of Strathbeg is located just north of the village of Crimond. There is a visitors centre, an Information Centre, hides, nature walks and guided walks available. There is also a car park, toilets (also disabled) and events put on, both for adults and especially for children.

Habitat:

Loch of Strathbeg is a shallow freshwater loch seperated from the sea by sand dunes. It is the largest dune slack pool in the U.K. The loch has saltmarsh, reedbeds, fen, woodland and fringing it.

Wildlife Description:

The loch is an important migration staging place for overwintering wildfowl and up to 30000 birds can be seen on and around the loch. It is famous for overwintering Whooper Swans but also has massive flocks of Pink Footed Geese, Barnacle and Greylag Geese. Pochard, Goldeneye, Eider, Sawbills and Snow Geese. There are breeding species such as Great Crested Grebes, Water Rail, Reed Buntings, Mallard Duck, Shelduck and Eider while both Sandwich and Common Terns nest on an artificial island. Mammals spotted on the reserve include the Badger, Otter and Roe Deer and Dragon and Damselflies are common during the summer months.

Directions:

Bus. The nearest bus stop is in the nearby village of Crimond, approximately 1 mile from the reserve, which is signposted from the village. Car: From the A90 in the village of Crimond, take the turn beside the Kirk, following the brown tourist sign to nature reserve. At the T-junction at the end of the road, turn left. After approximately 500m, turn right at the reserve entrance sign onto the entrance track and follow the track to the car park.

Best Time to Visit:

All year round.

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