An eerie expanse of raised peat bog surrounded by Birch and Scots Pine make this National Nature Reserve rich in plant, insect and bird species. Listen for cuckoo calls and woodpeckers knocking in the woods and look out for adders basking in the sun...In spring watch out for telltale movements in the grass and heather that signals an Adder or Common Lizard, or see them basking in the sunlight in the early morning. However summer is probably the best time to visit, Common Cotton Grass creates a sea of white across the bog spotted with the delicate bell-shaped pink flowers of the Bog Rosemary. Butterflies like the colourful Peacock and Green Hairstreak flutter in sunny sheltered glades, and colourful dragonflies and damselflies fly low over bog pools. Also keep an eye (and ear) out for Nightjar which may be making their way back to Kirkconnell Flow after a long absence...To reach the Reserve, take the A710 New Abbey road out of Dumfries. Passing the entrance to Mabie Forest which lies on a sharp left hand bend, take the next turning left between two white pillars. This is Kirkconnell Avenue. The Reserve entrance is 200 m on the left.

Tags: Light Woodland Nature reserve Bog Landscape and travel Kirkconnel Flow

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