Loch Ardinning Reserve in Scotland, Scottish Nature Reserves

Loch Ardinning Reserve

If you travel north for two miles from Milngavie, you will arrive at the 142-hectare Loch Ardinning Reserve. Dr. Robert Ker handed over the reserve to the Scottish Wildlife Trust in 1988. The northern most part of the loch has an abundance of reeds, rushes and sedge while the opposite side of the loch features wet woodland made up of mature willows, birch, alder and carr.

In the spring and summer months visitors are advised to take the paths provided if they would like to walk or hike around the Loch Ardinning Reserve in Scotland. This is to avoid causing stress to the birds that are breeding in the area at that time of year. The paths are easy to walk, with posts and markers leading the way, allowing anyone to use them. The nature trail is 1.5km long and it will take you from the eastern side of the Loch to the northern side on a simple pathway that parallels the loch.

Apart from the loch you will also see a lot of woodland and heather moor. This type of countryside is full of fragrant wild flowers such as the water lobelia. You will also find four different types of orchids here. Bird enthusiasts should look out for wild birds such as the Tufted Duck and Whooper Swans from Iceland that breed and winter in the Loch Ardinning Reserve until better weather comes. Other birds you will see include the Breeding Curlew, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler and the Black and Red Grouse. The reserve also allows dog owners to bring their furry companions with them for a walk. However dogs need to be kept on a lead at all times to avoid disturbing the wildlife and the domestic animals that graze nearby. Dogs may also only be walked in the muir and the fields on the south.

The northwest side of the loch was formed in 1796 by creating an artificial wall that was altered and strengthened in 1840. The year 1991 saw more improvements designed to help support the plants and invertebrates that thrive in shallow water. If you want to know more about the wildlife in this park or anything else about it, you should be able to find very informative leaflet without much difficulty. You may also fish if you have the correct permit so keep that in mind on your next visit.

Bookmark/Search this post with: