Duncan Watt
These two locations both welcome birdwatchers. In both cases please first contact the proprietors for permission to visit the grounds.
Montgreenan Mansion House Hotel (NS
344 445) is surrounded by a substantial woodland of mature hardwoods. There is a network of
footpaths and a metalled drive. It can be reached along the B785 from Kilwinning, or the A736
from Torranyard by following the brown tourist signs. There is car parking at the hotel.
Dalgarven Mill (NS 297 458) is a
restored working mill, museum and tea-room on the banks of the River Garnock, with mill lade
and upstream lagoon. It can be reached 2km north of Kilwinning along the A737. There is car
parking at the mill. National Cycle Route 7 passes 1km away. A bus service passes the
entrance.
Avoid the busy main road. Instead, approach
along unclassified road from National Cycle Route 7 about 1km distant.
Montgreenan has a wide range of woodland species including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Willow and Garden Warbler, Mistle Thrush. Green Woodpecker is possibly still present in what was its North Ayrshire stronghold.
Dalgarven is a compact but high-quality waterside habitat with Grey Heron, wagtails, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper and other common waders. House Sparrow and Swallow nest in the mill buildings.
Last updated: June 2003
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