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Description
Lochwinnoch wetland is a mixture of broadleaved woodland, open water and marshy areas with some floating fen. In Spring Toppgoði perform their courtship rituals. Síkjasöngvari and Engisöngvari can be heard singing from the wetter areas of the reserve. Also Laufsöngvari, Gransöngvari, Garðsöngvari, Hettusöngvari, Netlusöngvari and Þyrnisöngvari in the woods. Keldusvín can be heard squealing from the reedbed areas.
In Autumn you can see large gatherings of Landsvala, often roosting in the wetland vegetation, preparing for their long southward journeys. Flocks of Skógarþröstur and Gráþröstur arrive to strip the trees of their wild fruits. Look up and you might catch sight of mixed flocks of tits, Glókollur and Skógfeti in the woodland.
In Winter a wide variety of ducks arrive along with variable numbers of Álft. At this time of year there are frequent sightings of Bláheiðir and other birds of prey. Bláþyrill are present, often affording excellent views.
Vepja and Hrossagaukur 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 Jaðrakan and other waders, such as Stelkur, Lóuþræll, Fjöruspói, Sandlóa, Spói and sandpipers. Hettumáfur breed on the floating platforms on Aird Meadow. On the south side of the area Barr Loch also attracts good numbers of Toppgoði, 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.