Thursday, 16 February 2012

Site of Special Scientific Interest

Ailsa Craig

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
100
Classification: 
Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area
Environment Type: 

Rocky Island

Region: 
Ayrshire
Site Owned By: 
Marquis of Ailsa
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Address: 

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

Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Girvan
County: 
Ayrshire
Grid Reference: 
NX020998
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Information
Place Description: 

Ailsa Craig is a small granite island approximately 9 miles west of Girvan on the Ayrshire coast. It rises 1100 feet and is 2 miles in circumference. It is also known as Paddy's Milestone, being halfway between Scotland and Ireland and as well as its birdlife was famous for producing granite curling stones.

Habitat: 

A bare granite rock in the Firth of Clyde with high cliffs that is home to around 73,000 seabird and is home to the 3rd. largest Gannet colony in the British Isles.

Wildlife Description: 

Visitors to the island can see Gannets, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Manx Shearwaters, Razorbills and Peregrine, Eider, Shag, Twite and Ravens, while Seals, Dolphins, Porpoises and Basking Sharks can be viewed in the waters around the island. Puffins were eradicated on Ailsa Craig by the Brown Rat in 1934 but have recently began breeding again due to a concentrated effort to rid the island of the rodent by Glasgow University with support from Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB and the Scottish Ornithologists Club and the pest control firm Rentokill.

Directions: 

Boat: Trips are available from Girvan during the Summer and also from Campbeltown.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring and Summer when boat trips from Girvan and Campbeltown are running.

Sulham Woods

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
74
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Reading
County: 
Berkshire
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Place Description: 

Forming part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sulham Woods is a mixture of deciduous & coniferous woodland with arable fields with footpaths & meadows with a number of footpaths & bridleways throughout. Far reaching views of the Thames Valley & on a clear day to Didcot power station. Fantastic displays of bluebells in spring/early summer

Habitat: 

Deciduous & coniferous woodland, copse, arable fields & meadows

Wildlife Description: 

Fine mix of woodland birds, skylarks on arable fields & birds of prey including Red Kite. There is a healthy population of Roe deer.

Directions: 

Car park on Sulham Hill, between Tidmarsh & Littleheath, Tilehurst, Reading.

Best Time to Visit: 

All year

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.

Cairnsmore of Fleet Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
1922
Classification: 
One of only nine biosphere reserves in the United Kingdom. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI)
Environment Type: 

Upland, moorland.

Region: 
Dumfries & Galloway
Site Owned By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 

The Reserve Manager Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve The Reserve Office Dromore Farm Gatehouse of Fleet Castle Douglas DG7 2BP Tel: 01557 814435 Fax 01557 815044 E-mail: Kevin.Carter@snh.gov.uk

Contact Information: 
Andrew BielenskiScottish Natural HeritageHolmpark Industrial EstateNew Galloway RoadDG8 6BFNewton StewartWigtownshireUnited KingdomTel: 01671 401 075
Official Website: 
Website
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Newton Stewart
County: 
Dumfries & Galloway
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Information
Place Description: 

The Reserve lies off the B796 between Creetown and Gatehouse of Fleet. It is open all year round and there is a small Information Centre with a car park where numerous paths of varying difficulty originate. There are also seating and picnic benches for the visitors to enjoy lunch and the views of the surrounding countryside.

Habitat: 

Cairnsmore stands above Wigtown Bay and is one of the most southerly of the Galloway Hills. It is the only remaining large area of unforested ground stretching from the Fleet river valley bottom to summit top. There is a diverse range of granite upland habitats, heather moorland, blanket bog and wind stunted summit heath.

Wildlife Description: 

The reserve is an excellent breeding ground for moorland birds such as Curlew, Lapwing, Skylark, Red and Black Grouse, Golden Plover and Dotterel. While Golden Eagles have been spotted soaring over the cliffs but have not bred on the reserve since the 1960s. Several types of bird of prey also breed here, including the Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Raven, Buzzard and the Merlin while the Hen Harrier visits the reserve during the winter months. Mammals found include the Fox, Stoat and Weasel, Mountain and Brown Hare are common Red Deer are frequently spotted, while the Roe Deer can be seen at the reserves boundaries forested edges. There is also a herd of feral goats on the reserve. The Azure Hawker is found amongst the acidic pools on the reserve and Cairnsmore of Fleet is it's southermost known breeding site in the U.K. Many other Dragonfly, Butterfly and Moths can also be found on the reserve

Directions: 

The Reserve is situated just off the B796 between Creetown and Gatehouse of Fleet. It is open all year round, and there is a small informal visitors centre and car park. From the visitor centre there are several short circular walks of moderate ability. Picnic benches and further parking are available under the Big Water of Fleet viaduct, which straddles the River Fleet. To the west of the site, the summit path can be accessed via the Cairnsmore estate off the A75 at Palnure.

Best Time to Visit: 

All year round.

Ben Wyvis Nature Reserve

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Facts
Classification: 
Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Special Protection Area (SPA), for breeding Dotteril.
Environment Type: 

Hill, heath, birch wood and blanket bog.

Region: 
Highlands
Site Owned By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 

Scottish Natural Heritage Fodderty Way Dingwall Business Park Dingwall IV15 9XB Tel: 01349 865333 Fax: 01349 865609 Email: east.highland@snh.gov.uk

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Dingwall
County: 
Highland
Grid Reference: 
NH480686
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Place Description: 

Ben Wyvis is situated 15 miles west of Inverness off the A835 road. The mountain itself consists of a series of peaks, but the whole range comes under the name Ben Wyvis. The highest part is Glas Leathad Mòr (great green broad slope) at 1046m. It forms a high-level ridge with two deep craggy corries on its eastern face that contrasts with the steep grassier slopes that sweep up from the forests to the west. Over 170 species of plant can be found on and around the mountain, including many rare alpine species.

Habitat: 

Ben Wyvis's upper slopes consist of moss-heath while the lower slopes consist of blanket bog, lochans, streams and woodland. There are several paths leading to the summit and visitors are advised to stick to the paths in order to preserve the rare Alpine plants.

Wildlife Description: 

Red and Roe Deer are commonly seen as are Mountain Hares and Pine Martin and Red Squirrel can be found among the woods. Ptarmigan, Red Grouse and Dotterel inhabit the upper slopes while Ravens, Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Peregrines and other birds of prey can be spotted overhead. Many types of Butterfly, including the Large Heath Butterfly that breed in wet boggy habitats among the hare’s-tail cotton grass. Dragon and Damsel fly can be found on the lower heathland at the edges of the lochans.

Directions: 

Car: The Reserve can be accessed from the A835, Inverness to Ullapool road, at Garbat, where there is a Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) car park on the east side of the road. From here a path follows the north bank of the Allt a Bhealaich Mhòir to the Reserve entrance, where there is interpretation, and a surfaced path up to around 600 m.

Best Time to Visit: 

Throughout the year but Spring and Summer for birdlife and alpine plants. *Deer stalking takes place between August and October.

Moine Mhor Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
486
Classification: 
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Environment Type: 

Bog

Region: 
Argyllshire, Scotland
Site Managed By: 
Scottish Natural Heritage
Address: 

The Reserve Manager SNH Kilmory Industrial Estate Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8RR Tel: 01546 603611.

Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Lochgilphead
County: 
Argyll
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Place Description: 

Moine Mhor became a nature reserve in 1987 and since then, the SNH have been working on restoring the bog to it's original condition by damming drainage channels, allowing the water levels to rise and recreating the sponge like efffect of the bog. Many rare species of plant grow on the bog. The bog has woodland and pastures at it's perimeter that is home to various types of wildlife. Visitors are advised to keep to the paths that run across the bog.

Habitat: 

A waterlogged system of bogs, pools and mosses alongside the banks of the River Add in Argyllshire.

Wildlife Description: 

The bog is home to numerous types of insects including Dragonflies and Butterflies and the rare Large Heath Fritillary breed here. Mammals to be seen include Red, Fallow, Roe and Sika Deer, Mink, Bank Voles, Water Shrew, Otter, Red Squirrel, Pine Marten, Fox, Stoat and Weasel.

Directions: 

There is a car park two miles south of Kilmartin on the B8025 road and six miles north of Lochgilphead via the A816 road. A local bus service runs from from Lochgilphead to Kilmartin.

Best Time to Visit: 

Spring till late Autumn.

Forsinard Nature Reserve

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Facts
Size (Hectares): 
10,000
Classification: 
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) , Special Area of Conservation (SAC) , Special Protection Area (SPA)
Environment Type: 

Blanket bog and upland heathland dotted with numerous small pools and lochans.

Region: 
Sutherland, Scotland.
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Contact Information: 
Norrie RussellSite ManagerForsinard FlowsReserve OfficeForsinardSutherlandKW13 6YTTel: 01641 571 225
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Forsinard
County: 
Sutherland
Grid Reference: 
NC891425
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Place Description: 

Forsinard Flow is a vast expanse of peatland that is interspersed with hundreds of small pools and lochans bordered by woodland. There is a visitors Centre located with a CCTV link of breeding birds at Forsinard Railway Station. The Reserve is open at all times but the Visitor Centre is open Easter to end of October, daily 9 am to 5.30 pm. Dogs are allowed but only under close control.

Habitat: 

Peat and blanket bog and upland heathland with numerous small pools and lochans providing an excellent feeding and breeding ground for numerous types of birds and insects.

Wildlife Description: 

Birdlife found on the reserve include Dipper, Meadow Pipit, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Merlin and Greenshank, which all breed here. The bogs also attract migratory wildfowl during the Autumn. Red and Roe Deer, Fox and Pine Martin can be seen in and around the woods. The pools and lochans provide an ideal habitat for insect life such as Dragon and Damselflies, Water Beetles, newts, frogs and toads, while Butterflies and Moths can be found on the heaths and Grouse, Raven Buzzard and Golden Eagle can be seen on the moorland.

Directions: 

Rail: Forsinard railway station runs from Inverness to Wick/Thurso, stopping at Forsinard three times a day. The Forsinard Visitors Centre is located within the station. The train journey from Inverness to Forsinard station takes approximately 3 hours 8 minutes. Car: Located on the A897, 24 miles from Helmsdale. From Melvich on the north coast, turn south 2 miles east of Melvich onto the A897 for 14 miles.

Best Time to Visit: 

Summer

Troup Head Nature Reserve

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Facts
Classification: 
Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Environment Type: 

Coastal

Region: 
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Site Owned By: 
RSPB
Site Managed By: 
RSPB
Contact Information: 
strathbeg@rspb.org.uk
Map Info
Nearest Town: 
Fraserburgh
County: 
Aberdeenshire
Grid Reference: 
NJ822665
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Place Description: 

Troup Head nature reserve has the only mainland breeding colony of Gannets in the U.K. During the breeding season over 150,000 pairs of several types of seabird nest here. The reserve is free and is situated on the noth east coast of Scotland. Dogs are allowed but only on leashes.

Habitat: 

Cliffs, coastal, Heath and dunes.

Wildlife Description: 

The Gannet population started in 1988 with only four pairs of birds nesting, thought to have originated from Bass Rock. The population has gradually increased over the years and now more than 1,500 pairs of birds nest here. The visitor can also view nesting Puffin, Fulmar, Kittiwakes, Razorbill and Guillemot and Whales, Dolphin Porpoise and Seals can be seen regularly in the Moray Firth. Butterflies and wild flowers are common on the heath at the top of the cliffs.

Directions: 

The reserve is located between Pennan and Gardenstown on the B9031 along the coast from Macduff. The reserve is signposted along the B9301.

Best Time to Visit: 

All year round but Spring and Summer for breeding seabirds.

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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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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