Location and Access

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 44 445) 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.

Birds

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.