Pentland Hills Regional Park
Designated an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) for over 40 years, the intrinsic value of the Pentland Hills has been recognised and protected. Despite their proximity to large centres of population, a fairly intensively farmed landscape, and reasonably high recreation pressures, wildlife manages to hide in pockets around the Regional Park.
New Hide Opens in the Pentland Hills
A new fully accessible bird hide has opened at Bavelaw Marsh in the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The project which was managed by the Regional Park and the Friends of Pentlands Society aims to give as many people as possible the opportunity to witness the wildlife of the area.
Eleanor Hurley of the Scottish Ornithologist Club said: ‘Wildlife watching just got better at Bavelaw Marsh. The Marsh is one of the best bird watching sites in the Lothians and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its breeding birds.‘The hide is bigger and better than anything we’ve had here before. It really is in the ideal location at one of the main gateways to the Pentlands so I hope that people who have never tried bird and wildlife watching with come and see what’s here. You don’t even need to get your feet wet because paths and boardwalk take you right to the entrance.’
Bavelaw Marsh
Bavelaw Marsh is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest mainly because of its importance for wintering birds. Whooper Swans, Teal, Pochard, and Tufted Duck can be seen on the open water with many other bird species in the reed beds and birch woods that surround the marsh. Often early morning watchers will catch a glimpse of a roe deer grazing at the waters edge.
Wildlife HighlightsRoe deer are often spotted in and around the woodlands, especially by early morning walkers. Badgers are around as well as brown hare, red fox, stoats and weasels. Look out for their tracks and signs. | Birds of the Pentland HillsThe range of habitats in the Pentlands are home to a wide variety of bird life. Red Grouse are found on the heather moorlands and many birds more commonly found on the coast, such as Curlew, Oystercatcher and Redshank breed in the uplands. |
Butterflies and DragonfliesThese habitats are great too for Large Red Damselflies and the Common hawker dragonfly. Painted lady, small tortoiseshell, common blue and peacock butterflies are found throughout the Pentlands. The day-flying 6-Spot Burnet moth with its red and black colouring is a stunning sight amongst summer flowers. | LocationStretching for many miles to the south west of Edinburgh, the Hills are easily accessible by car. The park is bounded by the A702 on the eastern side and the A70 in the West. |
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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