Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

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Moving with the tides

Do you have a passion for plants or a fascination for birds? Or maybe you want to see seals and otters? You’ll find them all at Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve (NNR). In many ways, you get three reserves for the price of one.

Loch Fleet is worth visiting at any time of year. Linger at the edge of the tidal basin at low tide, and watch hungry waders as they feed over the soft mud. Harbour seals bask on exposed sandbanks.

Walk along informal sand dune paths at Littleferry to enjoy wildflowers, bumblebees, butterflies and moths. Or wander along the old woodland path among pockets of rare pinewood plants such as one-flowered wintergreen.

Alternatively, relax on the reserve’s fabulous beach at Littleferry to experience peace and solitude.

Find out more about visiting Loch Fleet NNR.

Top attractions

  • Watch osprey soar over the estuary and dive for fish.
  • See groups of seals hauled out on the sandbanks at low tide.
  • Wander our trail through the pinewoods, listen to the birds and look out for special flowers.
  • Visit in winter to see hundreds of waders and waterfowl feeding and roosting in the estuary.
  • Take a walk through the dunes to enjoy butterflies and moths that feed on the carpet of wildflowers.
  • If you’re lucky and keep a lookout, you might spot an otter.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

Enjoy a quick video tour of the coastal dunes and wildflowers at Loch Fleet with one of our reserve managers - or if you have more time watch the extended version (30 minutes).

What’s on?

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

Contact

Reserve manager: Adam Rose

NatureScot
The Links
Golspie Business Park
Golspie
KW10 6UB

Telephone: 01463 701608
Email: [email protected]

Further information

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.

Loch Fleet 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.

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