Explore the RSPB Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve!
1) For restful and wildlife spectacular moments!
The RSPB Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve is there for everyone to enjoy all year round. Not just a reserve for birds but for all wildlife, all you need is an exploratory nature and a few tips and you will discover why the reserve has been regarded “a hidden gem” for many years. Most visitors, who come to Britain’s largest dune loch, find themselves first at the visitor centre, just under a mile from the village of Crimond. Recently upgraded with new interpretation and activities for children and reopened at the end of September 2007, the visitor centre overlooks the “Starnafin Pools”. Here you can relax and watch common terns nesting in summer, deer browsing in the fields, herons fishing for trout, otters raiding gulls nests and marsh harriers hunting over the reeds. Autumn heralds the return of half the world’s population of pink-footed geese through the reserve and the visitor centre becomes the centre of one of NE Scotland’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. For more information see the Goosewatch 2007 events page at www.rspb.org.uk/lochofstrathbeg or call RSPB staff on 01346 532234.
2) Short and gentle walks
From the visitor centre you can take a gentle stroll through wildlife friendly farmland along the 700m Tower Pool Trail to a hide which has panoramic views of the reserve. For the more adventurous, there are hides with great views across the Loch itself. Access to these however, are restricted by the MOD Crimond Airfield (8am-4pm). Don’t be put off by this! An intriguing car journey through the airfield and a short 250m walk unexpectedly brings you to each of the two hides, beautifully situated amongst reedbeds and woodland. Why not bring a packed lunch and spend an hour listening to the sound of thousands of wigeon calling across the Loch while hundreds of whooper and mute swans come into land during the autumn and winter. Listen in spring as the secretive water rail squeal in the reeds, preparing for the breeding season.
3) Longer walks
For those wanting to stretch their legs a little further, the best place is along the reserve’s sandy beaches and dune system. You can access the north end of the reserve beach from the village of St.Combs. The walk begins below the Tufted Duck Hotel and if the tides are right, you can walk along the coastline to Rattray Head. Splashes of colour bring the dunes to life in summer with dark green fritillary butterflies feeding on carpets of dog violets. Look out for grey seals all year round and the Moray Firth Bottlenose Dolphins pass along the coastline every week throughout the summer. Many waders, terns, sea ducks, divers and rare migrating birds can also be seen throughout the year here. It is possible to park at Rattray Head and at St.Combs so you can complete the entire stretch in one day. Check directly with the Tufted Duck Hotel or Rattray Head B&B/Eco Hostel for information on accommodation and refreshments.
For information on visiting the reserve, group bookings or school visits please contact 01346 532017 or email strathbeg@rspb.org.uk or visit www.rspb.org.uk/lochofstrathbeg. Please note there are disabled facilities in the visitor centre, toilets and along the Tower Pool Trail and Hide.
