Location and Access

Culzean Country Park is the most popular National Trust for Scotland (NTS) property attracting 200,000 visitors annually. It is situated on the Firth of Clyde, 19 km south of Ayr on the A719, 6 km west of Maybole, off the A77. There is a range of visitor facilities including car parking, refreshment points, exhibitions, information and toilets. The main areas of the Park are accessible for disabled visitors. Ranger-led walks can be booked for groups and an events programme is available from Easter to the end of September.

A regular bus service to Maidens passes the entrance. An approach bycycle along A719 is feasible, though particular care should be exercised when tourist traffic is at a peak.

Please note that there is an admission charge between mid-March and the end of October for people who are not members of the NTS.

< Several car parks throughout park. Woodland: partially accessible by wheelchair along main paths, uneven surface in places, ramp to hide at Swan Pond.

A719 approach needs care, but cycling is good within the grounds.

Status

Culzean is a typical Scottish lowland estate covering around 600 acres. Its heritage status is due to the exceptional designed landscape and Robert Adam’s magnificent clifftop castle. In addition to the fifty traditional buildings, Culzean has mixed mature woodland, 130 acres of farmland, two major gardens, freshwater ponds and five kilometres of coastline. The sandy bays, rocky shoreline and hundred foot cliffs are part of the Maidens to Dunure Site of Special Scientific Interest, the best example of coastal deciduous woodland in Southern Scotland. Following a survey by the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s wildlife sites team the Country Park was confirmed as a Listed Wildlife Site because of its significant wildlife interest.

Birds

The combination of mixed woodland in a coastal setting provides a wide range of habitats and a resultant healthy bird list of 110 to 120 species annually of which around 50 breed.

Woodland

From April to June the main woodland interest is the breeding warblers with around 100 pairs breeding annually. Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler are common with smaller number of Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler and occasionally Wood Warbler. Other breeding birds of note are Barn Owl, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Tawny Owl, Stock Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Siskin. Several kilometres of pathway are kept open throughout the woodland and patience is very often rewarded. In winter the shelter of the woodland is a haven for Redwing and Woodcock during severe weather. Mixed flocks of Goldcrest, Long-tailed, Coal, Great and Blue Tits are a winter feature often numbering 80-100 birds.

Buildings

Swift use the nest boxes on the main buildings, House Martin have recently recolonised and the Swallow population is at saturation point, especially in the Walled Garden where every available nest site is used. Live images of one pair of nesting swifts in the exhibition loft have been relayed back to the information area and, although it is early days, we hope to improve the quality and that this will become an annual event.

Coastline

Another camera has been installed on the Castle cliffs and this has proved productive in recording Raven breeding, the daily life on the Fulmar colony (not spectacular!) and Peregrine Falcon nest prospecting. The Ravens and Peregrines are regularly seen in the air around the Castle. The coastal dimension is obviously a very important part of Culzean and the cliff walk has several locations which are ideal for sea watching, species varying with the season. Gannet and auks from Ailsa Craig can be seen in spring and summer while divers, grebes and the occasional influx of Manx Shearwater brighten up the winter scene.

Swan Pond

The Swan Pond is probably more interesting in winter rather than spring and summer due to the build up of overwintering duck. Pochard, Tufted Duck and Goldeneye swell the numbers, though Mallard are still the commonest. You never know what to expect and in rough weather species more usually seen at sea, such asLong-tailed Duck, may put in an appearance and there are regular records of Gadwall, Pintail and Smew. Winter numbers of Little Grebe have recently built up to around 20. Look out for Heron roosting in the field adjacent to the Swan Pond car park, 19 is the highest count so far.

Spring at the Swan Pond is virtually a battlefield as numerous pairs of Mute Swan attempt to secure nesting territories. At least pairs eventually settle and build and one pair uses a quiet cove on the coast. Little Grebe, Water Rail and Tufted Duck are around all the time and the arrival of Lesser Black-backed Gull usually announces the broods of Mallard chicks being brought to the pond from their woodland nests.

Bird Checklist

Status as at February 2001 and including historical data.

Additional Information

For further information please contact:

Phone:

01655 884400

Fax:

01655 884522

Web:

www.nts.org.uk

Rising dramatically out of the Firth of Clyde the volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig reaches a height of 388 metres (NX 019 999) and creates an imposing spectacle for all those travelling south from Ayr. “Paddy’s Milestane” lies just over 19 km west of Girvan and is well known as a former source of curling stones, fashioned from its granite. Until recently, the seabird colony faced problems largely due to the presence of Brown Rats. The well-documented removal of these (see Ailsa Craig – Before and After the Eradication of Rats in 1991 by Bernard Zonfrillo) has further improved the situation for some breeding species e.g. Herring Gull and Fulmar. The species which gives rise to much of Ailsa Craig’s importance is the Gannet. Since the 1950s when an estimated 5000 pairs bred on the island, the population has steadily risen to around 5,000 pairs by 2000.

Designated as an SSSI the main problem facing those wishing to visit the island is a combination of transport and weather. Girvan is easily reached by both road and rail, but very few boats run regular trips. The best of these is organised by Mark McCrindle whose boat, the Glorious, can take up to 12 people. May and June are the best months to visit, but the position of the pier on Ailsa Craig makes landing impossible if the wind is off the east. The preserved sea-going paddle-steamer Waverley provides another excellent chance to view the seabird colony, along with other seabirds during summer months as it runs regular trips from Ayr and other ports along the Clyde.

Birds

The Gannet colony is Ailsa Craig’s major feature and is mostly situated along the south-west cliffs, but is spreading northwards. Other seabirds which breed in large numbers include Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Black-backed Gull along with Kittiwake. Guillemot and Razorbill also breed along with Fulmar. Smaller numbers of Shag, Eider and Black Guillemot breed, and the Puffin is making a steady, if slow, comeback. A wide range of transient seabirds such as Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Arctic Skua, and maybe one of our scarcer visitors like Sooty Shearwater, can be seen by taking a trip on the PS Waverley. Like most offshore islands, the relatively small area of Ailsa Craig means that it can be easily scoured for migrants – if you can land there at the right time of year! Some recent rarities have included Alpine Swift, Bluethroat, Woodchat Shrike and Red-backed Shrike, while it’s worth remembering that commoner mainland species such as Yellowhammer constitute an Ailsa Craig “rarity.”

Location and Access

The sites lie on the west side of Prestwick Airport and at top end of Prestwick Golf course (old), to the north side lies the Royal Troon Golf Club and to the east side St. Andrew’s Caravan Park. Cut off the A79 and go over the railway bridge and park near to the entrance to the Caravan Park (NS 46 278). Alternative route: from Prestwick seafront car park (north) walk along the shore until you reach the estuary.

Short tarmac esplanade from north beach car park (surface rough in places).

National Cycle Route 7 passes both car parks.

Habitat

Lyme grass and Sand Couch, Yellow dune into Marram grass / Lyme grass and Grey dune into fixed dune. Dune grassland with Burnet Rose (native). Japanese Rose (introduced) has dominated parts of the dune on the Royal Troon Golf Course close to the Pow Burn. Rank neutral grassland has colonised the top soil . Small sections of saltmarsh grassland and mudflats exposed at low tide.

Birds

This area can provide a wide variety and, often, surprising amount of bird life (over 130 species recorded) at any time of the year. It is particularly good after a big storm, as the inner estuary offers good protection. Also check it out during migration (spring and autumn) as there are often birds moving through on passage. Below is a list of the birds that have been seen in this area:

Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag, Canada, Brent Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Goshawk, Grey Partridge, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed-Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Black Tern, Guillemot, Razorbill, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Short-eared Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dipper, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Twite, Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. Little Egret and Surf Scoter have both been recorded once.

Most species are birds on passage. Breeding species shown in bold.

Location and Access

There are 5 way-marked walks starting at Shallochpark car park (NX 964 182) to the south of Girvan esplanade. Details of the routes can be had from www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk or from a leaflet available from tourist information centres. Coming by car, the park is off the A77 Girvan-Stranraer road, by the sea just south of the roundabout on the outskirts of Girvan. There is a regular bus service, Ayr-Stranraer, along A77 and trains from Ayr. From the railway station, 2km distant, an interesting birdwatching approach on foot is past the harbour and along the esplanade. If using a bike, the A77 is unsuitable and pedestrians must be given right of way on the esplanade, or walk the bike at this stage.

One of the best routes is to Laggan Loch, following the blue markers, a walk of some 7km for which 2.5 to hours should be allowed. East across the Shallochpark roundabout, a minor road leads left up towards housing and at a gate on the right at the first bend the track signed Hill Path to Barr is the first stage of the walk, best followed clockwise back to Shallochpark.

Off-road tracks unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Good along the esplanade with priority to pedestrians. Avoid the A77.

The Path and Habitat

Initially, the route is up through woodland, over the railway line, and on upwards with Dow Hill to the right. It then crosses open moorland with extremely wet and boggy patches to Laggan Loch, scarcely more than a marsh with a little water. Stout footwear is essential. Just beyond, at 260m altitude, the route diverges south from the hill path to Barr, and forks right from the longer (17km) red marker walk, to join a good track west over the shoulder of Laggan Hill. Over a gate with a “Danger of Death” sign, the route passes through fields with livestock, possibly including bulls, steeply down to Brochnell Farm on the A714 and back by the roadside path to Shallochpark.

Birds

On the coast, Gannet, Arctic and Sandwich Tern are likely in season, and various gulls and waders on the shoreline. The woodlands at the start of the route are good for tits, Wren, Goldcrest, Blackbird and Song Thrush. The open moor and grassland is very good for Buzzard, Raven and Kestrel. Meadow Pipit and Skylark are abundant in season and Wheatear is possible. Around Laggan Loch, there is Sedge, Grasshopper and Willow Warbler. Carrion Crow and Rook are readily seen. In the hedgerows, for example near the railway and Brochnell Farm, there is Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff and Robin. Flocks of Linnet can be seen in the fields beside the A714.

Other Information

Snacks, ices drinks can be had at a part-time kiosk in Southpark CP. There is a good range of cafes, restaurants and pubs in Girvan.

Location and Access

There is good birding in the Alloway/Doonfoot area on the stretch of the former Ayr-Girvan coastal railway line which lies between Burton Farm road entrance (NS 14 182), just south of Doonfoot on the A719, through to Maybole Road, Ayr (A79), near its junction (NS 48 182) with the A77 Ayr-Stranraer trunk route. The overall length is about 4km with several access points and a good bus service to either end. Cars may be parked by the kerbside, with due consideration to residents and safety, in the Browncarrick district, just south of a roundabout on A719, and on the Maybole Road. Both ends and other access points are easily reached by cycle and there are plans to make the route a local cycleway.

Until the path is developed, parts are very muddy. The most rewarding section is between Burton and the River Doon.

Rough unsurfaced track often muddy in wet weather.

Easily accessed via local roads and byway network.

Birds

The path passes along former embankments and cuttings, now overgrown, providing good shellter for a range of resident and passage birds. The habitat ranges across gardens, hedgerows, woodland and farmland. Good views of the River Doon are had from the former railway bridge adjacent to where the path passes through a tunnel at Alloway. Spring to early summer is the best period.

The following species could be expected depending on the time of year: Grey Heron,Mallard, Goosander, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon,Swift, Swallow,House Martin,Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren,Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird,Song Thrush,Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Goldfinch, Bullfinch.

Location and Access

Shalloch on Minnoch (NX 405 907) is the highest hill in Ayrshire and is the focal point of some fine moorland and hill birding for those fit and energetic enough to explore the tops. From Straiton, take the hill road south towards Newton Stewart. This road is part of the South Ayrshire National Byway cycling network and connects with National Cycle Route 7 and the Galloway Forest ride from Loch Doon to Barr. The walking in these hills can be heavy going through long tufted grass with boggy areas, especially at lower levels. It is generally very wet underfoot in the mild climate. Above about 600 metres, however, the terrain becomes drier and more pleasant and the views magnificent. Forest plantations can make access verging on the impossible, which must be taken into account when choosing a route up. The longest but driest route, some 5km as the crow flies and 400 metres up, is from the car park and picnic site (NX 97 958) by the River Stinchar. This is 11.5 km from Straiton at an altitude of 80 metres. Follow the Newton Stewart Road until beyond the plantation and then climb south by Cairnadloch at 467 metres, Caerloch Dhu at 659 metres and across a dip to Shalloch on Minnoch at 769 metres. A ridge can be followed further south to Tarfessock at 696 metres. Alternatively, but wetter, start from the layby at the summit of the pass (NX 81 937) at an altitude of 430 metres and climb by Shalloch at 542 metres to Caerloch Dhu and thence to Shalloch on Minnoch. 7.2 km beyond Stinchar Bridge, and over the pass, the road meets another hill road (National Cycle Route 7) at Rowantree Toll (NX 53 907). From the car park and picnic site there, views of the Merrick and other Galloway Hills can be had and the surrounding moors, forests and hills scanned. Nearby, a forest track leads SW to the former Shalloch on Minnoch Farm, following the Water of Minnoch and Shalloch Burn. The path to the hills beyond the farm has been absorbed into a plantation, is virtually impenetrable and is not recommended. The 2km of track, however, can be rewarding birding.

Off-road tracks unsuitable for wheelchair users.

On local byway network.

Birds

Among the species to be expected on a trip to this wild area are Buzzard, Merlin, Red Grouse, Black Grouse, Golden Plover, Curlew, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Raven and Crossbill. The terrain is right for Golden Eagle. Though birding while hill walking in this magnificent area is rewarding for the energetic, many of the species may be sighted from the road or on easy strolls from the car parks.

David Bell

The memorial monument at the third car park (NX 53 907) is to David Bell, a cyclist of some repute who for thirty years contributed to a local newspaper under the pen name of The Highway Man. His articles told of the cycling trips he made all over south-west Scotland. He died in 1965 at the age of 58 years. Details of his life are on the memorial. This is an appropriate stop for modern day cyclists before climbing north over the pass.

Location and Access

This Scottish Wildlife Trust woodland reserve lies on the west bank of the River Ayr starting at Failford. To get there follow the B743 from Mauchline or the Ayr bypass. Park opposite the Failford Inn at NS 460 262 (this makes a good finishing point – check out their web site). The reserve is reached by the sign-posted path heading towards the river from the west end of the village and is open all the time.

The River Ayr cuts through a sandstone gorge flanked by a rich deciduous and coniferous woodland. There are several paths going along the river and higher up through the wood giving circuitous walks of an hour or up to three. One interesting feature is Peden’s Pulpit: steps have been cut in the sandstone to a place where the Covenanter Alexander Peden preached to his congregation on the other side of the river (see picture). Robert Burns parted from Mary Campbell here “after plighting his troth” to her.The path gets a little hairy at this point and is not suitable for people with a poor head for heights (like the author!); however, it is possible to go up and around.

Update on October 2003

SWT have done extensive work (funded by a lottery grant) upgrading the paths and drainage in the reserve and clearing back the vegetation beside the path. This makes it less muddy underfoot, however, it still isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. The section of the path at Peden’s Pulpit is now so eroded that access is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.

Rough woodland tracks not suited for wheelchair users.

Busy road, care needed.

Birds

Obviously, the reserve is particularly good for woodland and river species. These include Jay, Buzzard, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, flycatchers, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Heron, Goosander, Treecreeper, warblers. In the spring the woodland can be extremely noisy! Osprey have been seen on passage.

The SWT have done a good job in maintaining the reserve and the paths are clear and go through a variety of good habitat. It is a surprisingly quiet place given just how attractive the area is. Given the relative scarcity of woodland in Ayrshire, this reserve is an absolute gem.

Location and Access

Lady Isle poses two problems for the birder. Firstly, being an island 4 km off the Troon coast (NS 27 29) a boat is required to gain physical access. Secondly, it is a privately owned island so access is restricted to those with permission from the owner. Without permission it would still be possible to get good views of the birds and the seal colony by circumnavigating the island in a boat. A calm sea is required to get the best views and to avoid a rough crossing.

Birds

For many years there was a summer warden on the island whose job it was to protect the Roseate Terns that used to nest there. Nowadays, however, the terns have vanished to be replaced by a large gull colony. The Shag colony has decreased, whilst the Cormorant colony has grown to a significant size.

LadyIsle, © B. Zonfrillo

Gull colony on Lady Isle, © Kevin Waite, 2003

Bothy on Lady Isle, © Kevin Waite, 2003

A number of smaller waders can be found on the island especially in winter. Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Turnstone are common in winter. Passerine flocks e.g. Twite can often be found on the island along with a few resident Wrens. Teal and Wigeon are also regular visitors in winter.

It is worthwhile scouting the flocks of Cormorant and Shag on the sea, as an escaped Emperor Goose has been regularly seen over the past -4 years. On the crossing over to the island in early spring Red-throated Diver, Black Guillemot and Guillemot can often be seen at close quarters.

For an account of a ringing expedition to Lady Isle see this article.

Location and Access

Mixed woodland on the south-east outskirts of Troon. Originally the home policies of Fullarton House, built in the mid-eighteenth century with a stable block added a few years later. The main house was demolished in 1966, now all that remains are two stone pillars at the entrance to the car park. The stable block has been converted into flats.

The woodland forms two distinct sections, one tract lying to the north of the car park and one to the east, both serviced by a network of paths. The main surfaced path links the centre of the estate with Wilson Avenue to the north. Unsurfaced paths follow the perimeter of both north and east tracts. A number of rough tracks criss-cross through the woods.

Drive past rugby club and park on site of Fullarton House, Troon (NS 45303).

Note that the woods are very popular with walkers and dog-walkers.

Disabled parking spaces at back left corner of car park. The perimeter path around the north sector, despite being rough and muddy at times, should be negotiable by wheelchair with care. The eastern sector is only accessible by wheelchair from the (sometimes busy) unclassified road passing the stable block. The rough tracks criss-crossing the woods are best avoided.

Within 1km of National Cycle Route 7.

Birds

Reasonably wide variety of common resident and migrant woodland birds including Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher and many others. Rich in bird song in spring. Also listen for Green Woodpecker.

The fields lying to north towards Loans flood in winter. Good for greylag geese and grey heron. Ducks and roosting waders can also be present at high tide. Worth checking through the geese for other varieties. Also large flocks of winter thrushes are sometimes feeding on nearby stubble fields or set-aside.

Location and Access

The small, compact village of Dailly (NS 270 014), formerly associated with coal mining, forms the centre of an area which is extremely rich in bird life. Much of this is due to the variety of habitats found nearby. The floodplain of the River Girvan forms the foundation for both mixed, largely pastoral farming to the north-east of the village, and the Brunston Golf Course to the south-west. Now and then the valley contains rich little pockets such as reed-fringed ox-bows near Dalquharran Castle, whilst the mature, broad-leaf woodland towards Bargany Estate, slightly farther to the south-west, is well worth inspection.

On a bus route, this whole area is easily accessed, whilst cyclists will find the roads on either side of the valley relatively quiet, especially the B741 on the north side which is part of the National Byway cycling network in the area and connects with National Cycle Route 7 near Maybole.

Still to be assessed, further details to be posted on the website in due course.

Waymarked byway network in valley connects to National Cycle Route 7 near Maybole and to Girvan.

Birds

As one might expect with such a varied habitat, the range of birds seen in this area is considerable, The flood plain hosts Whooper Swan occasionally in winter, while the ox-bows give shelter to both Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler, along with a healthy population of Reed Bunting. Below Dailly, the Golf Course regularly hosts a hunting Barn Owl or Buzzard, while the river itself has breeding Common Sandpiper, Kinfisher, Dipper, and Grey Wagtail, with Goosander appearing mostly in winter.

The woodland areas are the real gems though, with a good summer population of typical species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher and Jay. Here the raptors like Sparrowhawk and Buzzard predominate, with Raven often heard overhead. A wide range of species have occurred in this part of South Ayrshire and rarities include Honey Buzzard, Osprey and Hobby.

Walking trails

Ayrshire Paths is well advanced in the process of establishing a network of way-marked trails radiating out from Dailly. These are due to open in autumn/winter 2002. An interpretive leaflet will be available from information centres or can be downloaded from their web site.