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RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

West central Lowlands of Scotland  >  United Kingdom

One of the few wetlands left in west Scotland. Good spot to see Énekes hattyú.

Added* by John Morecroft
Most recent update 28 április 2025

Description

Lochwinnoch wetland is a mixture of broadleaved woodland, open water and marshy areas with some floating fen. In Spring Búbos vöcsök perform their courtship rituals. Foltos nádiposzáta and Réti tücsökmadár can be heard singing from the wetter areas of the reserve. Also fitiszfüzike, Csilpcsalpfüzike, Kerti poszáta, Barátposzáta, kis poszáta and Mezei poszáta in the woods. Guvat can be heard squealing from the reedbed areas.

In Autumn you can see large gatherings of Füsti fecske, often roosting in the wetland vegetation, preparing for their long southward journeys. Flocks of szőlőrigó and fenyőrigó arrive to strip the trees of their wild fruits. Look up and you might catch sight of mixed flocks of tits, sárgafejű királyka and Hegyi fakusz in the woodland.

In Winter a wide variety of ducks arrive along with variable numbers of Énekes hattyú. At this time of year there are frequent sightings of Kékes rétihéja and other birds of prey. Jégmadár are present, often affording excellent views.

Bíbic and Sárszalonka are seen regularly on the scrape built behind the visitor centre, which can be viewed from inside, including from the viewing tower upstairs. The scrape also attracts Nagy goda and other waders, such as Piroslábú cankó, Havasi partfutó, Nagy póling, Parti lile, Kis póling and sandpipers. Dankasirály breed on the floating platforms on Aird Meadow. On the south side of the area Barr Loch also attracts good numbers of Búbos vöcsök, ducks and swans.

Details

Access

By train: Lochwinnoch railway station is situated 400 metres south-east of the visitor centre.

By bus: Nearest bus stops are on the A737 at Roadhead roundabout (at grid reference: NS 350 586, 750 metres south-east of the reserve entrance) and on the A760 at Newton of Barr (at NS 366 577, 1.2 km north-west of the entrance).

By bike: National Cycle Route 7 runs through the reserve, adjacent to the A737.

By road: The reserve is located 18 miles south-west of Glasgow, beside the A760 Largs Road, which is off the A737 Irvine Road (easily reached from the M8 at Junction 28A). Car parking facilities are available.

There is a visitor centre and different hides and trails to explore the area.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds

Conditions

Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Winter , Spring

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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