Site of the Month: Killantringan Bay (August 2022)
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During the sunny days of summer, you may be thinking of visiting a beach? In south west Scotland we are spoilt for choice, but on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, Killantringan Bay, together with the adjoining Knock and Broadsea Bays, …
Site of the Month: Kirkconnell Flow (July 2022)
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Kirkconnell Flow, near New Abbey, is a raised bog owned and managed as a nature reserve by NatureScot. It consists of a large expanse of peat with pine and birch woodland around the edges. On the peat dome the plant communities are …
Site of the Month: Knockdolian (June 2022)
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When we embarked on this series of site accounts, we promised to concentrate on sites that were under-recorded. Knockdolian, a hill in South Ayrshire, certainly fits the bill – of the 19 million records currently posted on iRecord, not a …
Site of the Month: Muirdrochwood (September 2022)
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Muirdrochwood was bought from Forestry and Land Scotland in March 2021 by Carsphairn Community Woodland Ltd on behalf of the Community of Carsphairn. Community ownership of the woodland will provide greater access to the countryside, create a more diverse woodland environment for wildlife and provide a community hub …
Site of the Month: Ardrossan – Brodick Ferry Crossing (September 2023)
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Not so much a site this month as a journey. There are a number of ferry crossings in SW Scotland, all of which offer wildlife recording opportunities, but Ardrossan-Brodick is the longest route that is entirely within the SWSEIC recording area. A …
Site of the Month: Ballochmyle Gorge (October 2022)
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Ballochmyle Gorge, a spectacular sandstone gorge of the River Ayr near Mauchline, is densely clothed in broadleaved woodland. Ash Fraxinus excelsior and Pedunculate Oak Quercus robur are the most frequent mature trees, but with significant amounts of Beech Fagus sylvatica, Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus, Hazel Corylus avellana, birches and other species – …
Site of the Month: Castle and Kirk Lochs (October 2023)
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Castle and Kirk Lochs, Lochmaben, are nutrient rich lochs with siginficant ammounts of emergent vegetation, providing an important wintering habitat for birds. Wintering birds to look out for include Goosander Mergus merganser, Wigeon Anas penelope, Teal Anas crecca, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Water Rail Rallus …
Site of the Month: Drumadoon, Arran (March 2024)
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This stretch of coast is partly designated a SSSI for its awe-inspiring geological features. This includes 60 million-year-old volcanic rocks and glass including the iconic Judd’s Dykes. The rocks between King’s Cave and Drumadoon date from the Triassic period circa …
Site of the Month: Eglinton Country Park (May 2022)
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Eglinton Country Park at Kilwinning is a great place to go for a walk, visit the cafe, or let the kids enjoy themselves on the adventure playground, but it is also a great place to watch wildlife. Based on an 18th …
Site of the Month: Eskrigg Reserve (December 2022)
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Eskrigg Reserve is on the site of an old curling pond within walking distance of Lockerbie town centre. It is managed by the Lockerbie Wildlife Trust as a seven acre nature reserve and contains a mixture of habitats including mixed woodland, grassland, …
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