Knockshinnoch Lagoons

The open water, islands, marshland, reedbeds and willow carr make this reserve important for birdlife in the Nith Valley. Migrant birds favour the valley in the autumn. Plant and insect enthusiasts can enjoy the partially vegetated coal spoil heap in the main public area of the reserve.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Migratory birds
  • Breeding & wintering birds
  • Wildflowers & insects
  • Mining history

Best time to visit?

  • Aug and Sep for migrating birds
  • Summer for wildflowers & insects
  • Autumn for fungi
  • All year round for history

Visit for:

  • birdwatching
  • wildflowers

Other information

There are hides and surfaced paths on this reserve.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

The reserve is located next to New Cumnock. A car park is available on the B741, approximately 0.3 miles outside the town. The reserve can also be accessed via a lane off the A76 through the town: take the first right after the bridge over the river when approaching from the north.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

The entrance from the car park is through a kissing gate under a stone arch. From the town, you can enter the reserve through a kissing gate at the foot of the lane. There are surfaced paths on this reserve.

Access restrictions

Visitors are asked to keep out of the wetlands for bird conservation and safety reasons.

Nearest town
New Cumnock (0 mi / 0 km)
OS grid ref
NS608137
Landranger map
71

FURTHER READING

About Knockshinnoch Lagoons

Stay up to date with the Scottish Wildlife Trust by subscribing to our mailing list Subscribe now

Back to top