Squares of the Month – May: NY2997 and NX1484
South Ayrshire: NX1484
Our Ayrshire Square of the Month is NX1484 located south of Colmonell.
The square currently has no records at all in the SWSEIC database. It encompasses Craigneil Hill, the northern slopes of Knockdhu and Knockdhu Burn.
The habitat looks quite interesting from aerial photos, dominated by unimproved rough grassland with scattered scrub. The site could yield potentially interesting botanical and invertebrate interest and the site has potential value for ground nesting birds.
We don’t know how easy the square is to access. A possible trail may lead from Knockdolian Castle up the hill (according to the All Trails website) but whether the track is maintained or promoted we don’t know. Access from Colmonell over Colmonell Bridge may be possible by the road.
Recorders are reminded to abide by the outdoor access code when exercising their access rights.
Dumfriesshire: NY2997
Our D&G Square of the month is NY2997, north of Bentpath at Jamestown.
The square currently holds no records for any species in the SWSEIC database.
The Meggat Water river valley is distinctive being one of the largest remaining mostly unforested river valleys in the Eskdalemuir Forest area, which is one of the largest coniferous woodlands in the region.
The square NY2997 incorporates Plantation Knowe, Glendinning, Glendinning Burn, Muckle Knowe and parts of Jamestown, the birthplace of the world-famous engineer Thomas Telford.
The square is dominated by upland acid grassland and heath. There appears to be some exposed rocks and bare ground along the burn which may offer additional interest. The valley may offer a refuge for upland species such as Meadow Pipit, Bilberry Bumblebee or Moonwort.
Access to this square is unknown. There is a farm track that leads up to Jamestown but there is no obvious parking (based on the the aerial photo view). Cycling from Bentpath may offer the nearest obvious access point. There are a few holiday let cottages nearby if anyone is looking for a remote stay!
As of Feb 2026, there were 1389 1km squares without any detailed records in the SWSEIC database — roughly 14% of the terrestrial squares that cover the area. To encourage our recorders to rectify this we have created an interactive map on our website that will allow you to view and investigate these ‘not-spots’.
Malcolm Haddow
SWSEIC Support Officer