Capringstone

Location and Access

Capringstone Flash is a flooded field beside the Annick Water on the eastern edge of Irvine at NS 56 89. The best place to view is from the minor (though wide and busy) road from Bourtreehill to Springside where it crosses the River Annick at NS 56 87. Given how busy the road is, please park with care.

A cycle track running parallel to the road passes close to this site. This track continues to Kilmarnock via Springside.


No suitable place to park.

National Route 73 passes the site. This forms part of the Irvine Circular Trail.

Birds

The flash has breeding Mallard, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen and Snipe. Swallow and House Martin breed in the nearby farms and houses, and feed over the water. Flocks of Lapwing and Curlew roost around the flash. Grey Heron can often be seen. In winter, the flash can become busy with wildfowl such as Teal, Mallard, Mute Swan, Shoveler and Wigeon (up to 400) with Green-winged Teal a recent rarity. During passage the site attracts birds such as Common and Green Sandpiper, and Garganey (2 males were present in spring 2002). Kingfisher are regular in the adjacent Annick Water.