Loch of Strathbeg RSPB
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This superb wetland in north-east Scotland is a vital site for waterfowl and other wildlife. In winter, 20% of the world’s population of pink-footed geese spend time at the reserve. Large numbers of lapwings, golden plovers, whooper swans and barnacle geese are also found here during the winter – as well as bitterns.
The reserve is important for migrating waders including black-tailed godwit, ruff and greenshank – while lapwings and redshanks breed on the wet grassland. Large numbers of mute swans gather to moult on the loch and common terns breed on its small islands. Corn buntings, yellowhammers and skylarks can be found on adjacent farmland.
Highlights: Vast numbers of pink-footed geese in winter, migrating birds in spring and autumn, and possibly otters.
Over 310 species of flowering plant (including creeping spearwort), 16 species of butterfly (including dark green fritillaries) and 21 species of mammal (including otters) have been recorded.
Opening times: The opening times are: The Visitor Centre is open from 8am until 6pm (or dusk where earlier) daily. The centre is opened at dawn for ten dates in the autumn to see the geese leaving their roost, places for these 'Goosewatch' events are limited and should be booked by contacting the reserve. The Tower Pool hide and two hides overlooking the Loch (which are a short drive from the centre) are open daily throughout daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the reserve, although donations towards our work are gratefully received.
Location: Near Crimond, Aberdeenshire.
Tel: 01346 532017
Grid reference: NK067599
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The Loch of Strathbeg formed in 1720 following a storm blowing a sand bar across the channel feeding into the sea. At 206 hectares it is the largest dune loch in the UK. It has a shallow depth range between 0.75 and 1.25 metres, although in times of drought or flood can vary.
With 260 species of birds, 280 species of moths, more than 300 different species of plants, 18 butterflies and more than 20 species of mammal, the reserve is a haven for wildlife and a spectacular place to watch nature at all times.
Historically the freshwater loch water was crystal clear, with leaping brown trout and rich beds of stonewort. However, this changed in the late 1970s and 80s when local agricultural systems intensified, leading to excess fertiliser nutrients running off from surrounding farmland. This 'diffuse pollution' caused eutrophication in the loch system, leading to massive algae blooms turning the loch a soupy green. As a result the stonewort beds and brown trout disappeared. The project works were the first phase of action to redress this issue by cleaning water from the Savoch Burn - the main stream in-flow to the loch system - before it reaches the Loch. This has involved planting a reed filter system and a silt trap. The Savoch Burn has also been 'naturalised' - returning it to its original 1.8km meander rather than a 1.2km canal route to the loch, and significantly slowing the flow rate into the loch from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days. This should reduce the diffuse pollution. At times of flood the burn will over-top along its whole length and spread through the newly-created 23 hectare reed bed combined with the silt trap which will allow suspended material to settle out prior to entering the loch system. In addition a network of water control structures have also been established that allow control of water levels within the Savoch Burn area, reed bed and adjacent wet grassland to maximise their potential for breeding waders and wintering wildfowl, particularly pink footed geese. 26 hectares of mainly scrub willow has been removed from an area of open wet fen that was in an unfavourable condition due to the encroaching woody vegetation. The last remaining island on the loch has been stabilised, and an island that disappeared in the 1970s has been re-established to provide suitable habitat for breeding seabirds, notably common terns.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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