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.

In this section

Facilities

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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

WILDLIFE

What to look for and when

Explore all wildlife

Kingfisher

Water vole

About Knockshinnoch Lagoons

Out & about

Nearby reserves
Dalmellington Moss
Ayr Gorge Woodlands
Auchalton Meadow

Local group
Ayrshire

Links & downloads

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