Birnie & Gaddon Lochs are well-established conservation areas which provide popular bird watching and walking opportunities.

History

These two Local Nature Reserves were created in 1991 from the restored workings of Kinloch Quarry and donated to the people of Fife by the family of J.S. Baird & Sons in association with Pioneer Aggregates (UK) Ltd. It's thanks to a few Giffordtown locals that the reserve is doing as well as it is. Their tree-planting enthusiasm in the early 1990's helped provide homes and shelter for many of the bird species resident today. 

Recreation

The area is managed by Fife Ranger Service, which provides education on the site and runs a series of events / guided walks through the year (watch the events calendar for these). The complete walking curcuit around both Lochs is 1.5 miles. Birnie Loch is 0.75 miles, and Gaddon slightly more. Both are suitable for children. Please keep to the paths so as not to disturb the wildlife.

Two bird hides provide viewing platforms. Hide keys are available at a charge of £5.00 plus postage and packaging. Please call Fife Coast & Countryside Trust on 01592 656080 to reserve.

Wildlife

The lochs provide a great setting for wildlife enthusiasts and bird-watchers.

Commonly spotted bird species include:

• Widgeon (see image)
• Pochard
• Redshank
• Oystercatcher
• Water Rail
• Common sandpiper
• Lapwing
• Sand Martin

Mammals found at/on the Lochs include:

• Otter
• Bank vole
• Pipistrelle Bat
• Water Vole
• Red Squirrel 
• Water Shrew

Read our newsletters (below) for a more detailed account of what you can expet to see in each month of the year.

Newsletters

Find out what species have been spotted on the Lochs by downloading our regular newsletters.

Events

Birnie Loch Open Day 1 June 08
Dragons and Damsels 17 August 08
Winter Wildfowl 14 Dec 08