New nature site at Dalmellington

One of the most impressive and valuable areas of wetland in Scotland has been formally protected for nature.

Passing through the village of Waterside, travellers heading to Dalmellington on the Ayr Road will see a great expanse of fen and scattered willow woodland opening on their right, spread out across the floodplain of the River Doon like a primeval, wet savannah. The designation of Doon Valley Wetlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) merges the former Dalmellington Moss and Bogton Loch SSSIs in Galloway, extending them to take in the wider floodplain fen habitat of the area, covering more than a square mile.

Fens are wetlands that receives water and nutrients from surface and/or groundwater, as well as rainfall, and NatureScot has established this formal protection for such an extensive, unspoiled area - the second-largest of its kind in Scotland after the Insh Marshes in Speyside - because it supports a large diversity of wildlife, including many birds rarely spotted elsewhere, such as the willow tit, water rail, and marsh harrier.

Although remarkably undisturbed and intact, the wetland does require sympathetic management to keep its biodiversity thriving. Fortunately, the site benefits from enthusiastic land managers keen to maximise its wildlife value.

NatureScot Operations Manager for West Central Scotland, Andy MacGregor said: “The new nature site at Dalmellington brings official recognition to what is one of the most impressive and valuable areas of wetland in Scotland, and we’re looking forward to continue working with those who own and manage the land to ensure its long-term protection and enhancement.”

Reserves Manager South West for Scottish Wildlife Trust, Gill Smart said: “Doon Valley Wetlands is an amazing place for nature, and we’re delighted that the SSSI has been extended beyond our Dalmellington Moss reserve. Not only is the recognition heartening in itself, but we hope it will provide an extra layer of protection for the wildlife that lives in this amazing valley so that generations to come can enjoy this special place.” 

Members of the Drumgrange and Keirs Angling Club fish the River Doon throughout the SSSI and help to look after the site by maintaining access paths and clearing up litter.

Club President, Ian Wilson, sees the SSSI as an opportunity to bring more focus to the health of the river and surrounding wetland: “We’ve known this as a great wildlife site for years so it’s good to seeing it get official recognition, and hopefully this will create more opportunities to enhance it further, for fish, other wildlife and people alike.”

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