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Overview
This reserve contains part of the largest remnant of the original deciduous woodland which once covered much of southern Scotland.
It lies on the east bank of the River Cree and consists of old coppiced oak with birch and hazel and some Rowan, Ash and willow. Several burns run through the woodland from the moors above to the marshy strip along the river which is often flooded in winter.
Birds
Notable Species
The upper fringes of the woodland bordering the moors have breeding Eurasian Curlew and Whinchat while within the woods there are Woodcock, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl and Great Spotted Woodpecker, various warblers, Tree Pipit, Common Redstart and Tree Pipit.
Common Sandpiper, Common Dipper and Grey Wagtail breed along the streams and Water Rail, Common Teal and Oystercatcher on the river.
Barn Owl is commonly seen in the surrounding land
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Common Teal, Mallard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Water Rail, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, Eurasian Woodcock, Eurasian Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Common Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Common Dipper, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Eurasian Blackbird, Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, European Pied Flycatcher, Willow Tit
Other Wildlife
Mammals seen here include Roe Deer and Otter and this wood is one of the few Scottish sites for Purple Hairstreak butterfly, Dark Green Fritillary is also present.
Primroses and Bluebells are abundant spring flowers but the main botanical interest is in the rich variety of ferns and bryophytes that grow along the dark and shady streams.
Site Information
Spring or early summer is probably the most productive time to visit this reserve.
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
To do
Access and Facilities
The reserve is reached from the A714 Newton Stewart to Girvan road which runs alongside the River Cree. From the village of Minnigaff just north of Newton Stewart take the minor road on the east bank of the river and the car-park is reached after about 6km.
A marked trail leads into the reserve and visitors are requested to keep to it.
Grid Ref: NX381708
Contact Details
Tel: 01556 670464 (RSPB)
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Steve
Reviews
rdspalm's review
Excellent site. Lots of birds nesting in the woods. Saw Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Garden Warbler, Grey Wagtail, Willow Tit.
Very pleasant walk
Pros
- Very easy to get to
