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Overview
Due to land drainage and forestry, the peat and boglands of Scotland are becoming rather rare habitats. This reserve is working to reverse the damage done to this area and now boasts the largest expanse of blanket bog in the world.
Birds
Notable Species
To do
Rarities
Rare birds seen over the years include Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Arctic Skua, Spotted Crake and Wood Sandpiper.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Teal, Goosander, Common Scoter, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Red Grouse, Dunlin, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Eurasian Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe, Common Cuckoo, Short-eared Owl, Eurasian Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Common Redstart, White-throated Dipper, Northern Wheatear, Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Ring Ouzel, Grasshopper Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Raven, Hooded Crow, Brambling, Common Redpoll, Common Crossbill, Snow Bunting
Other Wildlife
Nine species of orchid, including both Lesser and Greater Butterfly Orchid.
Mammals are well represented with Water Vole, Common and Pygmy Shrew. Roe and Red Deer, Hedgehog, Wild Cat, Arctic Hare, Otter, Pine Marten, Red Fox and Pipistrelle Bat.
Insects include ground, dung and leaf beetles, 8 dragonflies, 7 wasp/bee species and more than 12 butterflies and moths.
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
There are two trails:
Dubh Lochan Trail is a 1 mile circular walk round the bog pools. Stepping stones make this unsuitable for the wheelchair users
Forsinain Trail a circular 4 mile walk at the north of the reserve. Through farmland and forest. There is a steep hill on the farm road, so a small car park has been created above it for the sole use of disabled drivers; this provides views and bird watching into the adjacent fields.
Access and Facilities
On the A897, 24 miles (38 km) from Helmsdale. From Melvich on the north coast, turn south 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Melvich onto the A897 for 14 miles (22.5 km).
Forsinard station is the nearest station; the line runs from Inverness to Wick/Thurso, stopping at Forsinard three times a day. The reserve visitor centre is located in the station building!
Reserve open at all times; visitor centre is open Easter to end of October, daily 9 am to 5.30 pm.
There are guided walks throughout the summer. Details on the website and at the Tourist Information Centre in Thurso.
Grid Ref: NC891425
Contact Details
Tel: 01641 571225 (RSPB)
