Ythan Estuary

Sands of Forvie and the Ythan Estuary NNR

Location & access: A Scottish Natural Heritage visitor centre is located at NK 034 289 (Tel: 01358 751330) and can be accessed off the B9003 between Cotehill Loch and Collieston. Information regarding current sightings can be obtained here, and trail leaflets of the reserve are available.

From here, footpaths extend southwards into the moorland reserve and to Sand Loch (NK 034 284) and the coast.

The estuary itself is too large to cover on foot. However, there are a number of access and viewing points, and probably the best strategy is to drive between these, then explore each on foot.

Starting at the south end of Newburgh village drive to the car park at NK 002 247 (access via Beach Road adjacent to the Newburgh Inn). It is possible to walk south into the dunes and to the Foveran bushes (NK 002 237) or north to the Fishing huts at NK 004 247 from where it is possible to view the estuary mouth and the ternery on the opposite bank. A circular walk, skirting the golf course, gives the opportunity to see a wide range of habitats and species. A tin hut (NK 005 251) half way around this walk is a good vantage point to look for waders, terns and gulls. A large haul-out of seals, (both Grey and Common and largest in summer) has developed on the north bank at the river mouth, and is a magnificent sight.

Inch Road at the north end of the village is a convenient place to check the mouth of Foveran Burn while Inch Point (NK 004 256) provides good views of the mudflats up and downstream on the main River Ythan. Waders can be seen at close quarters here, and Little Egrets are fairly regular.

King Eider has historically been associated with Inch Point and the eider flocks are always worth checking, especially between April and July.

At Waterside Bridge two car parks (NK 001 268 and NK 004 270) provide access to the central and southern parts of the estuary. From the northern car park, signed footpaths extend alongside the estuary and across the dune and heathland areas. The eider and tern breeding areas are out of bounds (and largely out of view) during the summer but a footpath system provides access to other parts of the reserve.

From the southern car park (on the Newburgh side of the river), it is possible to walk upstream to investigate the Tarty Burn, which holds feeding and roosting waders, and which can be particularly good for freshwater species such as Green Sandpiper and has recorded a Long-billed Dowitcher.

The middle section of the estuary is also viewable from lay-bys at NK 003 281 and NK 006 283. Inch Geck Island (NJ 999 278) attracts roosting waders at high tide and many of the estuary’s rarities have been seen on the island at one time or another. Little Egrets regularly use this area for feeding.

Waulkmill hide (NK 003 290) provides good views across the upper estuary. Follow the A975 northwards. Turn left at the Collieston crossroads onto the B9003, and follow the road downhill to the river. Just before a bridge there is a track on the left leading to the hide and a parking area. Large numbers of waders and gulls can be present in front of the hide. The estuary and surrounding fields hold large numbers of grey geese during passage times, with smaller numbers during winter. Ospreys can be numerous here in late summer – check the fence posts on the south side of the river. The hide faces south-west, so morning visits tend to allow better viewing conditions.

Fisherman’s Car Park (NJ 996 294) gives access to the upper reaches of the estuary, and allows views of the large gull and wader flocks that are often just visible from Waulkmill hide. On leaving Waulkmill turn left, and follow the road to where a track to the left is reached, just before a steep right-hand bend. Follow the track downhill and the car parking area is at the end of the track. Park sensibly in the small car park, and walk down to the small angling club hut, from where the flocks can be scoped.

Logie Buchan Bridge (NJ 991 299) is the most upstream of the regularly watched points on the estuary. Leaving the Fisherman’s area turn left, and continue until a crossroad is reached. Take the first left and follow the road down (bearing right at a junction) to the bridge (closed to traffic). Here the Ythan narrows and passes upstream through a small reed bed. Water Rail is regular here, along with other freshwater marsh specialities (including a large late summer swallow roost), and Bearded Tits have been recorded.

Ringing here turns up rarities, including Blyth’s Reed and Paddyfield Warblers.

Habitat and potential wildlife: The National Nature Reserve covers just over 1,000 hectares and is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and includes the Ythan Estuary as well as dune, heath and moorland areas. The reserve is of significant botanical interest and supports internationally important numbers of breeding terns (with four species) and a nationally significant Eider colony (up to 5,000 birds), as well as thousands of wintering waders, ducks and geese.

Although most notable for its breeding birds other species can be found during the year on Forvie. Snow Buntings and Twite are present in winter, often commuting between the sands and the dunes around Foveran bushes.  The areas of the reserve that are dotted with bushes can hold migrant passerines in spring and autumn. Sand Loch holds small numbers of common duck and occasional migrants. During most winters this is an excellent site to see Short-eared Owl hunting around the loch margins in the afternoon. The dunes occasionally attract Rough-legged Buzzard in winter.

On the river, Ospreys are regular in summer and, prior to autumn migration, 6-8 may be seen fishing or sitting on posts along the river.  Marsh Harriers often pass through (and have bred in the area). A wide range of waders use the estuary on passage and in winter; anything can, and does, turn up.

The woodland and scrub (especially the inter-dune scrublands) are attractive to passerine migrants. Regular ringing at Foveran bushes has turned up a wide range of rare migrants.