Tucked away near the village of Kirriemuir in Angus is a very special place for wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon stroll or seeking some of Scotland’s most iconic species, our Loch of Kinnordy nature reserve has something for everyone. Read on to find out more.
Wildfowl wonders
With a name like Loch of Kinnordy, it will come as no surprise that the nature reserve is a haven for ducks and other wildfowl. Very little can top a warm summer afternoon in the hides, watching Gadwalls and Shovelers bobbing along with their young. However, the loch holds wonders at every time of year. As the days get colder, look out for Whooper Swans, Pink-footed Geese and others as they fly in for the winter months. There are three hides on the nature reserve, all of which give fantastic views of the loch.
Loch of Kinnordy is home to Mute Swans all year round, but the Whooper Swans (pictured) are winter visitors from Iceland. Image credit: Ben Andrew.
Remarkable raptors
With so much happening on the water’s surface, you might need a reminder to look up now and again – and you’ll be glad you did! Marsh Harriers patrol the skies, with their acrobatic courtship displays a highlight every spring. These magnificent birds of prey nest in the reedbed areas around the loch, so please ensure you maintain a safe distance and keep dogs under close control. The hides are also a fantastic vantage point to watch for Ospreys – see if you can spot one crashing into the loch in search of a fish supper.
Male Marsh Harriers, such as the one pictured, are more colourful than their female counterparts, which are mostly black with a white crown. Image credit: Les Bunyan.
Fantastic flowers
Summer at Loch of Kinnordy is blooming brilliant! Be it the delicate purples of Water Mint or the bright whites of Cowbane, the nature reserve bursts into life in the warmer months. It’s also home to several plant species which are otherwise incredibly rare in the local area, such as Nodding Bur-marigold and Greater Spearwort. A dream for the flower fans amongst us, and for the next group on our list.
The nature reserve is an ideal habitat for wetland specialists such as Water Mint. Image credit: Richard Bowler.
Brilliant beasties
Wherever there are wildflowers, you’re sure to find plenty of insects as well. Pearl-bordered fritillaries are amongst the first butterflies to emerge in spring, while various bee species float between flowerheads, spreading pollen throughout the summer. Smaller insects should be wary however, as dragonflies and damselflies such as Common Blues flit through the reeds in search of a snack.
Common Blue Damselflies lay their eggs on underwater vegetation, so Loch of Kinnordy is perfect for them. Image credit: Jodie Randall.
Marvellous mammals
Take a stroll through the woods and you might be fortunate to see a Red Squirrel scurrying through the trees. The nature reserve is home to both reds and non-native greys, so be sure to report any sightings to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels. A splash on the loch itself could be an Otter or even a Beaver. While both are very difficult to spot in the flesh, look out for dams made by the latter on the connecting streams.
Red Squirrels take advantage of peanuts at the feeding station along the woodland trail. See if you can spot one. Image credit: Ben Andrew.
Loch of Kinnordy is situated about a mile outside Kirriemuir in Angus. There is a car park at the entrance. Buses run from Dundee to Kirriemuir, and there is a footpath from the village to the nature reserve.
Check out our website to find out more and plan your visit.