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St Cyrus National Nature Reserve

St Cyrus contains sea cliffs and sand dunes which support a distinctive range of plants, that in turn host a rich variety of insects, particularly butterflies and moths. St Cyrus NNR is home to more than 65 different species of breeding birds and 244 species of flowering plants. Many of the plants are rare or at their northern limit in the UK, and it's this great diversity of plant life, coupled with the sheltered aspect of the Reserve that encourages such a rich insect life.

St Cyrus NNR is one of the most varied stretches of coastline in North-east Scotland, and is one of the least disturbed by man. As a result, it is a refuge for a great variety of plants, insects and birds. This diverse nature reserve consists of sand dunes, species rich grassland, river estuary and cliffs.

Birds: Breeding birds include stonechats and skylarks, and you're also likely to see fulmars nesting on the cliffs.

Butterflies & moths: Some of the species recorded are rare, such as the small blue butterfly which feeds on the yellow flowered kidney vetch plant that grows on the Reserve. The list also includes the only known record of the micro moth Lobesia abscisana on the Scottish mainland. A newly published checklist enables moth and butterfly enthusiasts in the North east to enjoy the beauty and variety of 400 different species in one place at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve.

Location, Access & Facilities: St Cyrus is 6 miles north of Montrose, off the A92 road. Bus service from Aberdeen and Montrose to St Cyrus village. Visitor centre and toilets are open daily from April to October and from Monday to Friday in November to March. 

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.