Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre

If you choose this alternative section of the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route you'll notice this unusual tidal basin upriver from Montrose. About 2.5km by 3km, it's the basin of the river South Esk and a major site for birds in the area. 

The majority of the reserve lies below the high water mark of ordinary spring tides but, particularly at the western end, there are more elevated areas with zones of saltmarsh, reedbed, brackish and fresh water, unimproved grassland and arable land. It's a Special Protection Area, so is well protected from development. The site is managed by the The Scottish Wildlife Trust. 

The Basin is the third most important site in Scotland for wildfowl and waders (behind the Solway and Forth estuaries). As you pass the Basin on the cycle route you can see this strikingly wide section of water which is an important natural habitat for the many birds and plant life in the area.

Information and photograph Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre 

Further information www.montrosebasin.org.uk