Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve

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The wild heartland

Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve (NNR) is a bogland showpiece. It’s a wild landscape of hummocks, hollows and pools, where glistening dragonflies dance and graceful hen harriers hunt. This ‘Great Moss’ forms the wild heartland of Kilmartin Glen.

Raised bogs like Moine Mhor are among Europe’s most threatened habitats. They are home to plants and animals specially adapted to thrive in these water-logged conditions.

Fringed by tidal flats, saltmarsh, fen, alder carr and ancient oak woodland, this transition of habitats adds to the reserve’s rich diversity of wildlife. Coastal birds, otters and the rare marsh fritillary butterfly all make their home here. In winter, hen harriers roost on the moss.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the reserve. Why not climb the ancient hill fort at Dunadd to get a bird’s-eye view, or take a stroll along the Crinan canal. Closer to the car park, enjoy a picnic before exploring the wooded Tileworks Trail.

Find out more about visiting Moine Mhor NNR.

Top attractions

  • Spot dragonflies lingering over pools in the bog.
  • Explore the trails through bogland and woods.
  • Watch out for osprey fishing along the river.
  • Look out for roosting hen harriers in winter.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve manager: Heather Watkin

NatureScot
1 Kilmory Industrial Estate
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8RR

Telephone: 0131 316 2690
Email: [email protected]

Find out more

Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.

Related Links

Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.

Moine Mhor NNR is a member of VisitScotland and the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).

Enjoyed your visit?

  • Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
  • Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.  

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government's Peatland ACTION programme, delivered in partnership with NatureScot and other agencies, peatland on this National Nature Reserve is being restored. Putting peatland on the road to recovery is helping Scotland tackle the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. 

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