Location and Access

Garnock East boasts a wide variety of habitats: an area of mature woodland, consisting mainly of Sycamore, Willow, Ash, and Pine species; a flooded Alder wood; a sizeable area of almost impenetrable Hawthorn/Bramble/Gorse scrub; 8 large ponds and several smaller ones; marshland; extensive sedge and iris beds; a large stretch of estuary; and pockets of rough grassland and heathland.

Formerly owned by ICI, this site was once off limits to the public. However, nowadays people are allowed to walk around the site freely. There are various informal pathways and old industrial tracks to follow.

If travelling by car, one can park in the informal car park beside Bogside Racecourse (NS307400). Follow the old racecourse track northwest and one can access Garnock East from the northwest or southwest corners of the racecourse. If travelling by bus, one can alight beside Irvine Royal Academy. Walk along Sandy Road, crossing the railway (at NS311402) and Bogside Golf Course before reaching the aforementioned car park at NS307400. The Cunninghame Cycleway runs nearest to the site at NS312403.

The Upper Garnock Estuary

Breeding Season

The estuary is at its quietest during late May and June. Shelduck, Eider, and Mute Swan breed along the estuary. There is a large Sand Martin colony in the sand cliffs along the estuary. Common Sandpiper breeds a little bit further upstream. By early June Lapwing are already beginning to congregate for return migration and a sizeable moulting flock of Goosander is starting to build up.

Autumn and Winter

During an autumn high tide, the upper estuary’s saltmarsh is a hive of activity. Several hundred Lapwing roost here along with a few dozen Curlew. Greenshank numbers remain in double figures throughout most of autumn passage and they can usually be seen roosting with the Lapwing on the saltmarsh. Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, and Common Sandpiper are some of the more frequently encountered species at low tide; Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, and Little Stint have all been seen on the upper estuary during return passage.

Wildfowl passage is also noticeable during autumn, with small numbers of Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, and Whooper Swan stopping off on migration. By October, large numbers of Teal, Wigeon, and Mallard are present. Goldeneye, Little Grebe, and Red-breasted Merganser are present throughout the winter and small parties of Shoveler and Whooper Swan occasionally drop in. A wide variety of other wildfowl have been seen: Great Crested Grebe, Scaup, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Bewick’s Swan, and American Wigeon have all been recorded on the upper estuary.

During winter, most waders favour Bogside; however, Greenshank shows a distinct preference for the upper reaches of the estuary and this stretch of river supports a significant wintering population. Small groups of Common Snipe can usually be seen roosting or foraging between the saltmarsh and the mudflats.

Garnock East Ponds (NS 299 412)

The ponds support a large (and noisy) breeding population of Water Rail. Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, and several pairs of Mute Swan also breed. There are about 100 territories each of Willow and Sedge Warbler, concentrated around the ponds. Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Bunting, and Whitethroat also breed around the ponds.

Mallard flocks can become quite large during autumn and close inspection sometimes reveals the odd Gadwall. The ponds support surprisingly little in the way of wintering wildfowl. However, a few Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal can usually be found – the latter being particularly fond of the flooded Alder wood.

Garnock East Woods (NS 298 405)

The woodland contains a good variety of breeding birds, including Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch, and Goldfinch. The scrubbier, eastern parts of Garnock East boast Stonechat, Common Whitethroat, and Lesser Whitethroat.

The Garnock East wood is often busy in winter. Flocks of Goldcrest, Treecreeper, and Long-tailed Tit are usually encountered. Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin, and sometimes Redpoll can be found feeding among the Alders. Bullfinch is frequent in the dense scrub at the south east of the site. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are often encountered.

The Garnock East Farm Pool (NS 00 419)

The pool supports breeding Coot, Moorhen, and Mallard. Teal turn up throughout the summer, although breeding hasn’t been confirmed. The pool is good for Green Sandpiper on passage. Garganey and Black-tailed Godwit have also been seen. The pool can be very quiet in winter, but Teal and Wigeon can sometimes be seen and Common Snipe are often flushed.

Notes

• In this article, I give the label Upper Garnock Estuary to the stretch of estuary upstream of the disused McGowan Bridge at NS 99 297.
• A visit to the upper estuary during any phase of the tide cycle can be productive. However, when the tide is at its lowest, the upper estuary becomes a patchwork of silt islands and small creeks/rivulets and birds are often hidden in the contours of the exposed river bed.
• As the tide rises, the flooding saltmarsh becomes a magnet for dabbling ducks. It can be quite a spectacle to see the many hundreds of ducks congregate in such a relatively small area. It is at this time – when the ducks are most active – that you can often pick out rarer ducks that were previously elusive (e.g. that were perhaps hidden in a nook in the saltmarsh or roosting inconspicuously with some Wigeon). But note that high tide isn’t always high enough to flood the saltmarsh.
• During frosty weather, when inland water bodies are frozen, duck numbers inflate significantly and there is a greater chance of encountering some of the more unusual wildfowl species.
• The Garnock East farm pool is usually surrounded by a large number of bulls. Care should be taken when going anywhere near these animals.
• Unlike most of the former ICI grounds, Garnock East is open to the public. It should be noted that the energetics industry is still active across the river on the Ardeer Peninsula, and if, by way of vandalised security fences, one has the opportunity to wander onto the peninsula over one of the old bridges – don’t take it!

Location and Access

Ardeer Fen is an area of fenland 1km in length and (at its widest) slightly over 200m in breadth. It is bordered by a large area of industrial “wasteland” (the old ICI grounds), now largely reclaimed by nature and consisting of many square miles of woodland, grassland, heathland, and wetland. The River Garnock, where it first turns distinctly estuarine, flows near the fen and into the grounds of ICI, emerging two kilometres downstream at Bogside.

There is a small parking area at NS287422, beside which is an access gate to Todhill Country Centre Community Woodland. A path leads through the plantation to the fen. A good view over the area can be had from the top of the old bridge at NS291419. After crossing the bridge, one can scramble down the embankment on the right to get onto the sand quarry’s access road. (One can also scramble down the embankment on the left, follow the foot-worn path along the ICI boundary fence, and emerge further down the access road). Head east (away from Stevenston) along the access road until it crosses a small burn (at NS294421). At this point step off the road (to your right) and into the livestock field. Keeping right, follow the edge of the field for about 250m until you reach the River Garnock.

Birds

In summer the area is jumping with passerines: Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit, Linnet and Stonechat are all present. Wheatear can be seen on passage. During the breeding season, Common Sandpiper is present on this stretch of the River Garnock. Mallard, Moorhen, and Water Rail breed in the fen.

The area is much quieter in winter. Redwing, Fieldfare, and Starling are frequent in winter, roosting in large flocks. Hen Harrier has been seen hawking in winter, and Marsh Harrier has been seen on passage. In previous years, the fen held large numbers of Snipe and the occasional Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank; however, succession at the site has led to a decline in wader species. Outside of the breeding season, the River Garnock, where it enters the old ICI grounds, holds Cormorant, Red-Breasted Merganser, Goosander, Shelduck, Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, and Goldeneye, as well as some of the commoner waders, such as Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, and passage Greenshank.

Grey Heron are present in good numbers all year round. Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, and Kestrel are also highly visible throughout the year.

Notes

• Todhill Community Woodland is a good place to get views of obliging Grasshopper Warbler: the site holds many reeling males and birds frequently perch on the young saplings. Indeed, the saplings and fence posts in the plantation provide ample opportunities to digiscope Goldfinch, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, and Meadow Pipit.
• When approaching the River Garnock across the livestock field, care should be taken to remain hidden behind the hawthorns which separate the field from the river – a clumsy approach can send most of the birds on the river skiting back into ICI. Similarly, viewing the birds from further upstream is usually a good idea.
• The noisy trucks that transport sand from the quarry on site do not run at the weekend.
• In winter, the Fen can be very unproductive. It is at its busiest in May.

Location and Access

Ardeer Quarry (also known as Ardeer Recreational Grounds and Stevenston Park) encompasses a variety of habitats: there are several areas of marshy grassland, a small loch, an even smaller pond, areas of scrub, and a large tree plantation (planted around 1990). Those with a vehicle can park in the small car park at the end of Moorpark Road East. Pedestrian/cycle access can also be had at the other end of the grounds, at the very bottom of Dubbs Road/ Highfield Drive.

A concrete path circles the loch and the Cunninghame Cycleway runs through the area. Walking around the disused playing fields allows closer inspection of the plantation in front of Highfield Drive.

Birds

In summer, the main loch holds Mallard, Moorhen, a pair of Mute Swan, and, in some years, Little Grebe. In winter, these birds are joined by a small flock of Tufted Duck. By the middle of winter, one or two Goldeneye are usually present. Teal visit occasionally, especially during cold weather. Every few weeks a Pochard or a Scaup drops in. Unusual records for the loch include Great Crested Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Shoveler, Wigeon, and Little Auk. The main loch’s contributory ditch occasionally turns up Water Rail and Kingfisher.

The small pond further east holds breeding Mallard, Moorhen, and Little Grebe. In winter it is largely deserted, save for a few Mallard.

As well as the common tits and finches, the woodland and scrubland hold breeding Bullfinch, Blackcap, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Common Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. The rough grassland holds several pairs of Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, and Grasshopper Warbler.

In winter, Bullfinch can often be found in the trees bordering the cycle path. The Alders often attract large flocks of Siskin and Goldfinch. Small flocks of Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, and Treecreeper are also frequent. Winter thrushes are often encountered. Great Spotted Woodpecker is present throughout the year.

Snipe or Woodcock are regularly flushed – often by straying dogs – from the ditches and damp woodland around the site.

Sparrowhawk and Buzzard, and Kestrel are often seen.

Notes

The best time to visit Ardeer Quarry is during calm, frosty weather in winter. Duck numbers/variety increase slightly, Water Rail can turn up, and tit and finch flocks are relatively easy to locate.

Many birders stop off only briefly at Ardeer Quarry to inspect the birdlife on the main loch, parking in the nearby car park and often setting up their telescopes only a few metres from their car. However, some of the loch’s more unusual wildfowl can often be found behind the island so it is well worth taking the short trip to check this side of the island out.

A short trip along the cycle path from the main loch to where the path crosses the contributory ditch (at NS 274 415) is your best bet if you want to maximise your chances of encountering Water Rail or Kingfisher. Water Rail are particularly fond of the stretch of ditch upstream of the cycle path.

Car park at edge of park. High kerbs. Metalled footpaths, narrow and muddy in places, one steep slope near pond.

Location and Access

Garnock East boasts a wide variety of habitats: an area of mature woodland, consisting mainly of Sycamore, Willow, Ash, and Pine species; a flooded Alder wood; a sizeable area of almost impenetrable Hawthorn/Bramble/Gorse scrub; 8 large ponds and several smaller ones; marshland; extensive sedge and iris beds; a large stretch of estuary; and pockets of rough grassland and heathland.

Formerly owned by ICI, this site was once off limits to the public. However, nowadays people are allowed to walk around the site freely. There are various informal pathways and old industrial tracks to follow.

If travelling by car, one can park in the informal car park beside Bogside Racecourse (NS307400). Follow the old racecourse track northwest and one can access Garnock East from the northwest or southwest corners of the racecourse. If travelling by bus, one can alight beside Irvine Royal Academy. Walk along Sandy Road, crossing the railway (at NS311402) and Bogside Golf Course before reaching the aforementioned car park at NS307400. The Cunninghame Cycleway runs nearest to the site at NS312403.

The Upper Garnock Estuary

Breeding Season

The estuary is at its quietest during late May and June. Shelduck, Eider, and Mute Swan breed along the estuary. There is a large Sand Martin colony in the sand cliffs along the estuary. Common Sandpiper breeds a little bit further upstream. By early June Lapwing are already beginning to congregate for return migration and a sizeable moulting flock of Goosander is starting to build up.

Autumn and Winter

During an autumn high tide, the upper estuary’s saltmarsh is a hive of activity. Several hundred Lapwing roost here along with a few dozen Curlew. Greenshank numbers remain in double figures throughout most of autumn passage and they can usually be seen roosting with the Lapwing on the saltmarsh. Redshank, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, and Common Sandpiper are some of the more frequently encountered species at low tide; Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, and Little Stint have all been seen on the upper estuary during return passage.

Wildfowl passage is also noticeable during autumn, with small numbers of Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pink-footed Goose, and Whooper Swan stopping off on migration. By October, large numbers of Teal, Wigeon, and Mallard are present. Goldeneye, Little Grebe, and Red-breasted Merganser are present throughout the winter and small parties of Shoveler and Whooper Swan occasionally drop in. A wide variety of other wildfowl have been seen: Great Crested Grebe, Scaup, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Bewick’s Swan, and American Wigeon have all been recorded on the upper estuary.

During winter, most waders favour Bogside; however, Greenshank shows a distinct preference for the upper reaches of the estuary and this stretch of river supports a significant wintering population. Small groups of Common Snipe can usually be seen roosting or foraging between the saltmarsh and the mudflats.

Garnock East Ponds (NS 299 412)

The ponds support a large (and noisy) breeding population of Water Rail. Little Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, and several pairs of Mute Swan also breed. There are about 100 territories each of Willow and Sedge Warbler, concentrated around the ponds. Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Bunting, and Whitethroat also breed around the ponds.

Mallard flocks can become quite large during autumn and close inspection sometimes reveals the odd Gadwall. The ponds support surprisingly little in the way of wintering wildfowl. However, a few Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal can usually be found – the latter being particularly fond of the flooded Alder wood.

Garnock East Woods (NS 298 405)

The woodland contains a good variety of breeding birds, including Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mistle Thrush, Bullfinch, and Goldfinch. The scrubbier, eastern parts of Garnock East boast Stonechat, Common Whitethroat, and Lesser Whitethroat.

The Garnock East wood is often busy in winter. Flocks of Goldcrest, Treecreeper, and Long-tailed Tit are usually encountered. Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Siskin, and sometimes Redpoll can be found feeding among the Alders. Bullfinch is frequent in the dense scrub at the south east of the site. Great Spotted Woodpeckers are often encountered.

The Garnock East Farm Pool (NS 00 419)

The pool supports breeding Coot, Moorhen, and Mallard. Teal turn up throughout the summer, although breeding hasn’t been confirmed. The pool is good for Green Sandpiper on passage. Garganey and Black-tailed Godwit have also been seen. The pool can be very quiet in winter, but Teal and Wigeon can sometimes be seen and Common Snipe are often flushed.

Notes

• In this article, I give the label Upper Garnock Estuary to the stretch of estuary upstream of the disused McGowan Bridge at NS 99 297.
• A visit to the upper estuary during any phase of the tide cycle can be productive. However, when the tide is at its lowest, the upper estuary becomes a patchwork of silt islands and small creeks/rivulets and birds are often hidden in the contours of the exposed river bed.
• As the tide rises, the flooding saltmarsh becomes a magnet for dabbling ducks. It can be quite a spectacle to see the many hundreds of ducks congregate in such a relatively small area. It is at this time – when the ducks are most active – that you can often pick out rarer ducks that were previously elusive (e.g. that were perhaps hidden in a nook in the saltmarsh or roosting inconspicuously with some Wigeon). But note that high tide isn’t always high enough to flood the saltmarsh.
• During frosty weather, when inland water bodies are frozen, duck numbers inflate significantly and there is a greater chance of encountering some of the more unusual wildfowl species.
• The Garnock East farm pool is usually surrounded by a large number of bulls. Care should be taken when going anywhere near these animals.
• Unlike most of the former ICI grounds, Garnock East is open to the public. It should be noted that the energetics industry is still active across the river on the Ardeer Peninsula, and if, by way of vandalised security fences, one has the opportunity to wander onto the peninsula over one of the old bridges – don’t take it!

Location and Access

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, in west central Scotland, extends from Greenock in the north down the Clyde coast to Inverkip, Largs and West Kilbride in North Ayrshire and inland to Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire.

(Editor’s Note: This Park covers three local authority areas: Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire. If you are submitting records from a visit to the Park, please check which area you are in and send them to the appropriate County Recorder).

The Park covers over 100 square miles of magnificent countryside that includes mixed woodland, moorland, lochs, wetlands and coastline ideal for seeing a wide variety of birds.

A day trip could take in three habitats (wetland, woodland and moorland) by combining a trip to the RSPB Lochwinnoch reserve with a walk in Parkhill Wood (part of Castle Semple Country Park) and a visit to Muirshiel Visitor Centre and Country Park. (Lochwinnoch is just north of Beith, North Ayrshire on the A737)

• Castle Semple Loch/RSPB Lochwinnoch: Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, good wintering wildfowl e.g. Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Water Rail.
• Parkhill Wood: spring/summer – Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler on lochside
• Muirshiel: Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, Raven, Stonechat, Wheatear, Dipper, Grey and Pied Wagtail, Red Grouse, Cuckoo. Possible: Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Short-eared Owl. Hen Harrier CCTV viewing project with guided walks and dedicated Project Officer runs April to August.

Or stop in a car park on the A78 Largs coast road at the mouth of he Noddsdale Water before heading up Brisbane Glen to the open moorland of the Renfewshire Heights SSSI (confirmed in January 2007 for its breeding Hen Harriers) and native woods of Shielhill Glen and the Park’s Cornalees Visitor Centre (Inverclyde).

A Countryside Ranger Service works throughout the Regional Park covering education, conservation and access promotion. There is an information desk, gift shop, toilets, woodland walks and nature trails at each Visitor Centre as well as an event lists that includes outdoor activity courses and taster sessions, children’s activities, guided walks, green-wood working displays and exhibitions.

View west

Castle Semple Visitor Centre

Bluebells in Parkhill Wood

Cornalees Visitor Centre

Loch Thom and Corlick Hill

Path to Windy Hill

Birds

Resident breeding species:

Finches (Chaf, Bull, Green, Gold, Linnet); Tits (Great, Blue, Coal); Thrush (Song, Mistle); Blackbird, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pheasant, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge, Owl (Tawny, Barn, Short-eared); Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Curlew, Woodcock, Common Snipe, Stonechat, Kestrel, Stock Dove, Cuckoo, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Wagtail (Pied, Grey); Tree Sparrow, Treecreeper, Siskin, Redshank, Swift, Skylark, Carrion Crow, Rook, Raven, Jackdaw, Wren, Dipper, Eider, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Linnet, Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Dunnock.

Resident (but non-breeding)

Dunlin, Long-eared Owl (formally breeding)

Winter visitors

Greylag Goose (now also breeding in small numbers), Fieldfare, Redwing, Crossbill, Shelduck, Bar-tailed Godwit.

Occasional visitors

Waxwing, Red Throated Diver, Shoveler, Pink Footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, Osprey, Peregrine, Merlin, Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Black Grouse, Brambling, Golden Eagle, Red Kite, Nuthatch, Goldcrest.

Wildfowl and water birds

Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Long Tailed Duck, Smew, Red Breasted Merganser, Goosander, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Moorhen, Coot, Great Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Ringed Plover, Pintail, Wigeon, Redshank, Greenshank.

Summer migrants

Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Wheatear, Whinchat.

Sites within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park

Located in Lochwinnoch, just off the A737 Irvine to Glasgow road on the shores of Castle Semple Loch. Open daily throughout the year with refreshments, and easy access into Parkhill Wood or a stroll along the loch. The Sustrans cycle route from Glasgow to Irvine conveniently passes by the Centre where you can hire mountain bikes or row boats and canoes. Outdoor activity courses and taster sessions such as sailing and kayaking are also available from Castle Semple Centre. Phone 01505 842 882. RSPB Nature Reserve at Lochwinnoch is located nearby.

Muirshiel Visitor Centre and Country Park

Located 6km north-west of Lochwinnoch at the top of Calder Glen, Muirshiel provides access to great walking country and the Renfewshire Heights SSSI. The Clyde Muirshiel Hen Harrier Viewing Project is based at the Centre, with a dedicated Project Officer in post April to August. There are woodland and moorland walks, BBQ and archery sites. Grid reference NS 19 630. Phone 01505 842 803

Cornalees Visitor Centre and Loch Thom

Located near Inverkip beside Loch Thom at the top of Brisbane Glen, Cornalees provides a great access point to the Greenock and Kelly Cuts for level walks with panoramic views of the Clyde and islands or a wonder in the native wood of Shielhill Glen. Highlights of the Clyde Muirshiel Hen Harrier Project can be viewed at the Centre as well as the resident breeding swallows. Grid reference NS 248 721. Phone 01475 521 458

Barnbrock

Located 6km north of Lochwinnoch is the Park Headquarters and is also the location of the Park’s attractive rural campsite that includes eight wooden shielings. They sleep -4 people and need to be booked in advance. Telephone 01505 614 791 in office hours or 01505 842 882 at weekends. Woodland walks nearby include a link route to Muirshiel Country Park. Grid reference NS 56 640.

Lunderston Bay

Located 2km north of Inverkip (NS 203 736) is the nearest sandy beach to Glasgow and is popular for coastal walks and a children’s adventure playground as well as sighting of many coastal birds.

Contact

Email: info@clydemuirshiel.co.uk

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.

Location and Access

Stevenston is one the Three Towns on the Ayrshire coast and has several good birdwatching locations. The main one is Stevenston Point at NS 270 402. To get there follow the signs for the West Car Park. This is a beach park built on an old industrial area. The Point sticks out slightly into the Firth of Clyde and gives good views of Irvine Bay.

By following Moorpark Road West you get to Auchenharvie Golf Course (NS 264 414) with its two ponds. You can park near the clubhouse. A track skirts the south side of the golf course towards the westerly pond and gives good views. Due care and consideration should be given to the golfers.

Auchenharvie: Park in lay-by, easy viewing from car, large unsurfaced car park at golf course, path across golf course to west pond unsurfaced with potholes.

Easily accessed from nearby National Route 73, Ardrossan to Kilwinning.

Birds

Stevenston Point’s location makes it good for watching birds pass up and down the Firth of Clyde, such as Fulmar, Gannet, Manx Shearwater and occasional Skuas, Little Gulls, Storm Petrel, Sandwich Tern. This is also a good spot for checking out ducks with flocks of Eider, Tufted Duck, Common Scoter (and a superb male King Eider in 2003). One or two Long-tailed Duck also spend part of the winter here. In recent years a Whimbrel has over-wintered. It is best looked for in the rocks at the Point (although it can be elusive). The burn mouth is a good gull and wader (Dunlin, Redshank, Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, occasional Golden Plover, Knot, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper) roost. A pair of approachable Snow Bunting were on the beach here in early Spring 2001. The rough ground near the beach often have flocks of finches. The grass around the Point is good for Wheatear on passage, and for gulls and Oystercatcher feeding.

The ponds on the golf course have different characters. The one nearest the clubhouse is smaller and edged with reeds. It has breeding Dabchick, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Coot. The larger pond, nearer Saltcoats, is better in winter and is a great place to get close views of Scaup with up to 150 individuals. There are also various hybrids with Tufted Duck to test your ID skills. Mute and occasional Whooper Swans also hang around this pond. Nearby is the meat factory: check out the roof for the recurring Glaucous Gull.

Location and Access

Noddsdale (or Brisbane Glen, as it is marked on the OS Explorer series map) runs from Largs on the Clyde Coast (on the A78 26km north from Irvine and 22.5km south from Greenock), north-north east into Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Starting at the mouth of the Noddsdale Water (NS 198 605) the head of the glen is reached some 11km inland (NS 251 678) having risen to about 270m. Access to the glen is via the minor road, on the right as you travel north, which is clearly signposted – Brisbane Glen Road – towards the north end of Largs from the A78. Private transport is essential unless you are prepared to walk or cycle.

Once out of town there are no marked paths until Outerwards Reservoir is reached. Next to the reservoir is a car park, picnic area and woodland and moorland trails associated with Outerwards Community Woodland. Otherwise, the glen is enclosed and the normal countryside code and access conditions must be observed. Just over the watershed north into Inverclyde lies the Cornalees Centre of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a ranger base with woodland and moorland walks, toilets, shop and refreshments.

Brisbane Glen is named after Thomas Brisbane who also gave his name to the city and river of Brisbane, Australia. Thomas was a keen astronomer building his own observatory near Largs and establishing another near Sydney while he was Governor General of New South Wales. Also named after him are a planetarium in Brisbane and a crater on the moon.

Byway suitable for bikes with access from either Largs or Greenock.

Habitat

Noddsdale Water (Brisbane Glen) is listed in the Ayrshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan as a Provisional Wildlife Site.

The first kilometres of the road pass through the outskirts of Largs. Beyond the boundary of Largs great care should be exercised if parking a car as the road is narrow and twisty. On leaving the built-up area the countryside at these lower reaches of the glen consists of improved grasssland to enable usage as pasture and the road passes along past hedgerows with mature deciduous trees frequent. At this stage there is no sign of the Noddsdale Water as it is between 100m and 200m to the left of the road, hidden by the trees which line its banks. The trees along this stretch comprise mature native deciduous species and conifers. Half a kilometre further on the wood widens out to stretch up the north slope of the glen and about 1km towards the head of the glen. By this time the glen has narrowed and the road passes out on to a more open aspect and the surrounding moorland opens up to reveal a new habitat. A short distance further on the Outerwards Reservoir appears with a good stand of mixed, mature woodland surrounding the north-east corner. Once beyond the reservoir Noddsdale Water becomes a relative trickle and the outlook is purely moorland with the exception of a stand of mature conifers adjoined by a plantation of conifers up to about 4 metres in height. The south-eastern slopes of the glen are split by several small, rocky burns which provide the opportunities for species such as Rowan (Sorbus) to establish a foothold and break up the predominantly brown shades with streaks of green.

Birds

Given the variety of habitat throughout the length of the glen it should be possible to find many common species such as various finches, and tits along with Grey Wagtail, Robin, Wren, Blackbird and Dunnock. In summer these will be complemented by warblers in the lower and middle reaches and Whinchat – joining the resident Stonechat – and Wheatears higher up. Of course, some species fewer in number can also be much more obvious and sight of Buzzards wheeling over the glen or rushing through the woodland should be no surprise. Out on the moor Meadow Pipit and Skylark may be numerous in summer and their numbers may swell in autumn when northern migrants pass through. Also out on the moor Curlew and Short-eared Owl may be present and there is the possibility of seeing Raven, Red Grouse,Cuckoo – most likely heard calling from a hidden perch – or, if you are lucky, a Peregrine or Hen Harrier.

In the lower and middle reaches more elusive species such as Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Great Spotted Woodpecker might be found in the woodland and Noddsdale Water itself may produce Grey Wagtail or Dipper.

During the winter months the moorland will be largely empty of birds although the middle and lower reaches may be productive of flocks of finches and tits and there is habitat also for winter visitors such as Fieldfare and Redwing.

Surrounded by gardens, waterfalls and mixed woodland, below the castle is a walled garden which, like the New Zealand Garden and other parts of the park, grows exotic flowers and shrubs that thrive in the mild West Coast climate. The Country Centre is open to the public for most of the year and offers a wide range of recreational activities including horse riding, children’s play areas, and adventure wood, exhibitions, a tea room, a cafe and a gift shop.

Location and Access

Largs is situated by the Clyde estuary on the A78, some 26km north of Irvine and 22km south of Greenock. The town itself provides an opportunity for family birding, having a range of facilities and attractions to cater for non-birders. For those not wishing to use a car there is an hourly train service from Glasgow Central station and those travelling from southern and eastern Ayrshire can join the Largs train at Kilwinning. Regular bus services operate in both directions along the A78. There are 2 options for car-parking: payparking on the waterfront or parking for free on the streets off the waterfront. Both options can be difficult during the summer and the latter is not likely to endear visitors to the residents.

The mouth of Noddsdale Water (NS 198 604) is reached at the northern end of Largs. From the centre of Largs it is a 1km walk north along the sea-front, or if driving, continue north along the A78 tojust beyond the Queens’ Hotel and turn left into Aubrey Crescent. At the end of the crescent, with luck, you should be able to find a parking space and can proceed on foot. There is a paved footpath leading into a small public park which has a sandpit and climbing frame for children and pond which is used by model boat enthusiasts. Conveniently,there are also toilets and a gazebo to provide shelter.

Easily accessed from Ardrossan to Largs coastal cycle path.

Habitat

The beach is comprisedof shingle whichis steeply banked due to the action of the tides. The burn enters the sea over this area of raised shingle, which around the mouth of the burn, forms a broad, level area where seaweed can find a foothold. Across on the north side of the burn the shingle beach continues but above the shingle the habitat is very different from the managed south side. Naturally growing flowering plants and grasses provide cover and food which could make that area worth a good look, especially outwith the summer season. Manicured lawns in the park, which also has mature deciduous trees, provides a contrast and another set of habitats. The short grass could prove attractive to a number of ground-feeding passerines, while the mature trees give opportunities for leaf feeders. Noddsdale Water forms the northern edge to the park and the well-grown gardens on the other side over-hang the burn with well established native deciduous trees and a variety of shrubs. Where the burn crosses the shingle it provides a good bathing area for preening birds.

Birds

Offshore all species of diver are possible during spring and autumn, Gannet in the summer and Cormorant and Shag at any time of the year. Winter is the best time for the variety of wildfowl that it is possible to encounter in the Clyde estuary. Although geese are unusual here ducks such as Eider, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser can be found offshore with Wigeon, Teal and Mallard all likely.

The areas of seaweed provide feeding for Curlew and Oystercatcher throughout the year while the Redshank is common along this coast and Turnstone orPurple Sandpiper might turn up. Starling and crows are always avid searchers of seaweed. All of the commoner gulls can be viewed here, bathing in the fresh water provided by the burn and making the most of the food provided by visitors. Within the park you might expect to see commoner passerines such as Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock with Great and Blue Tit in the trees while the burn itself and the vegetation on the other side could give Grey Wagtail and warblers. The vegetation on the wilder north shore could be worth a look for seed-eaters during the autumn and winter months with species such as Goldfinch, Greenfinch and Linnet being likely.

An easily accessible small island off the Ayrshire coast, approx. 6km long and km across at its widest point. The west side of the island has an especially remote feeling. The walking is easy, mainly on surfaced but sparsely used roads, save for cycles in summer. Bird life is particularly abundant in springtime.

This article is accompanied by an annotated map and photos to show various parts of the island.

Distance

From the ferry pier known as Cumbrae Slip at Holm Bay to Millport via Tomont End, Fintray Bay and Portachur Point – the walk is around 12 km. To walk the full circle – an easy 20 km. However, the stretch of road between Millport and the Cumbrae Slip tends to be busier – so the frequent bus service is another option here.

Access Details

Park your car at Largs seafront car park (charge) and travel as a foot passenger on the CalMac ferry from the nearby harbour. The ferry operates a 0 minute headway in summer – and hourly in winter. (Telephone CalMac at Largs: 01475 – 674134 for details). If you wish to do it the lazy way – you can get a day return for your car and all your passengers. Largs is also well served by public transport with an hourly train service provided by ScotRail (tel: 01294 – 272111) and a half-hourly bus service along the coast from Ayr to Greenock provided by Stagecoach Western Buses(Tel: 01292 – 613500) and Arriva.

Buses fitted with wheelchair lifts.

Road mostly follows the coast making for an easy 20km ride. Bikes may be hired in Millport.

Facilities

All facilities in Largs. Portaloos at Cumbrae Slip. Toilets and drinks / light meals at the seasonal Fintray Bay Cafe on Great Cumbrae. All facilities at Millport.

Best Times to Visit

Always something to see, but end of April through to May and early June by far the best. Eiderare spectacular in May, with the mating calls echoing around the shoreline. Lapwing nest close to the road at the north end – this area being particularly good for all seabirds and waders.

The Walk Itself

(Numbers refer to map reference points).

After alighting from the ferry (10 minutes on passage) at Cumbrae Slip (1) – turn right and head off along the surfaced road past Holm Bay towards the north end of the island and Tomont Point and Monument (2). Assuming a springtime visit you should see Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, and both Meadow andRock Pipit. Plenty of Pied Wagtail flitting about as well as Grey Wagtail. All the usual finches, Blackbirds, Dunnock and other common species.

At Tomont End – move out across the rocks to the shore to find Red-breasted Merganser, Shelduck, Oystercatcher as well as all the gulls you may expect to see and possibly more. Move back to the road and carefully peep over the stone wall to see if you can catch sight of Lapwing – which nest around here. From here to Skate Point (3) in particular, there is usually much to see. Gannet may well be plunging into the water, terns are possible and Eider are extremely vocal. Look for Turnstone and Ringed Plover on the rocks and shore and Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Mallard, Cormorant and Shag. Grey Heron may well be gracing the rocky coastline, too. Overhead – Kestrel are to be seen, but so are Buzzard in ever increasing numbers. Sparrowhawk are not uncommon. Along the roadside scrub, Stonechat are around in good numbers and to landward (especially if you return via the inland hill route) you can also expect Whinchat. Curlew are often seen in good numbers to landward and also along the shoreline where Dunlin are sometimes seen. Swallow and Sand Martin may accompany you as you move on towards Fintray Bay (4). In season, you can take advantage of a coffee, tea or soft drink, along with snacks and light meals at the Fintray Bay Cafe. Toilets are to be found here, too. If you bring your own food – there are picnic tables dotted around the island.

After leaving Fintray Bay, a path strikes off to the left uphill. This lead to the Gowk Stone (5a) and on through the fields, passing the golf club and down in to Millport itself. This is a shorter route if you are running out of time – cutting about 4 km off the main route to Millport via Portachur Point. If you stay with the coast road, it will shortly bring you to Sheriff’s Port (5). The nearby cliffs have breeding Fulmar and Kittiwake are also normally around. Look out for Raven at this point. From here, the road swings around towards Millport – but a pathway leads off towards the shore and eventually comes back to the main road. This will lead you through yellow flag iris to Portachur Point (6) where you can look for Common Seal – Grey Seal may also be visible. Back on the surfaced road, you will soon be in the town of Millport (7), where you will find many watering holes for that stronger drink – or try the Ritz cafe for a bit of thirties nostalgia. The Cathedral of the Isles (8) is also worth a visit – especially if you have decided to return via the hill route. This lies on your way up to Barbay Hill (9) and at 127 metres, provides superb views of the Isle of Arran, Bute and the Cowal Peninsula – as well as the Ayrshire Coast (on a clear day). This unclassified road will eventually bring you to the B899 where you should turn sharply left. A short stretch leads on to Downcraig Ferry (10) back on the coast road (A860). From here, you can see the Cumbrae Slip (1) once again where you will board the ferry back to Largs.

Boat Trips

Boat trips around the Cumbraes are now available. For details see:

• Web: www.cumbraevoyages.co.uk
• Phone: 0845-257 0404