Description
The variety of habitats in John Muir Country Park attracts waders, migratory wildfowl, sea ducks, divers offshore, and passerines. Geese (including large flocks of Kortnæbbet Gås and Bramgås) and swans (Knopsvane and Sangsvane) winter in surrounding fields. Pibeand, Krikand, Havlit and Sortand, both in the estuary and offshore. Rødstrubet Lom and Sortstrubet Lom offshore.
Particularly good for wintering waders: Rødben, Stor Kobbersneppe, Lille Kobbersneppe, Storspove, Strandskade, Almindelig Ryle, Sandløber, and Stor Præstekrave. Other species occur on migration, including Småspove, Krumnæbbet Ryle and Hvidklire. A Ørkenpræstekrave was recorded in 2020.
The foreshore and saltmarsh are particularly noted for wintering Bjerglærke and Bjergirisk. Wagtails, tits and finches along shore and in pine woods, with Spætmejse and Træløber. Migration in autumn can bring a variety of coastal passage species from Scandinavia, such as Grå Fluesnapper, Rødstjert, Bynkefugl and Stenpikker.
Details
Access
Parking for John Muir Country Park via access road shared with East Links Family Park, on north side of A1087, 400m west of West Barns. Best road access is to join the A1087 at its junction with the A1, west of the Country Park, drive towards Dunbar and turn left at the signs for the Family Park and Country Park. Press P on the map for directions to the parking. The parking is pay and display.
Can be reached by rail via Dunbar station (3 km), on the East Coast main line (services to Edinburgh and south to Newcastle and beyond). The X7 express bus (Dunbar - Edinburgh) and local 120 bus pass the entrance.
John Muir Footpath passes through the Country Park and there is a marked cycle route that passes the entrance.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Plain , Moors/heathland , River , Sea , Dunes , Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , Sandy , Dry , Wet , Open landscape , Slippery , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Toilets and showers available at the car park.