Fashioned out of disused sand and gravel pits in the 1980s, the sand banks, ponds, woodland and riverbank are now a haven for invertebrates, plants and birds. The sheltered conditions mean that butterflies and dragonflies can be numerous on a sunny day.
Please note that earth and tree works are taking place on the part of the reserve to the east of the Ayr Road. Please avoid the work site and be alert for heavy machinery moving around.
Why visit?
Highlights include:
- Butterflies
- Wildflowers
Best time to visit?
- Summer for insects
Visit for:
- wildflowers
- pond
- butterflies
Other information
Bladderwort, a carnivorous aquatic plant indicates the water in the ponds is very clean. Quiet, grassy paths lead around the ponds to the riverbank.
Shewalton Sandpits is one of the Irvine Greenspaces.