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Mersehaed

Dumfries & Galloway  >  United Kingdom

Mersehead is situated on the north side of the Solway Firth. A relatively new reserve that is still being farmed in places.

Added* by Gary Burnett
Most recent update 8 január 2024
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Description

Mersehaed is an extensive wetland and saltmarsh area. Good for breeding waders, wintering waterfowl and year-round birdwatching. Winter brings the arrival of thousands of geese to the reserve itself, while the Solway is home to tens of thousands of waders. Natterjack Toads can be heard on summer evenings.

Details

Access

From Dumfries, take the A710 Solway Coast road, passing through the villages of New Abbey, Kirkbean, Prestonmill and Mainsriddle. The reserve is signposted just before the village of Caulkerbush, on the left. A single-track road with passing places runs for a mile down to the car park, adjacent to the visitor centre (Opening times visitor centre: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm). From Castle Douglas, take the A745, then the A711 to Dalbeattie before joining the A710 Solway Coast road, passing through the villages of Colvend, Sandyhills and Caulkerbush. The reserve is signposted just after Caulkerbush bridge, on the right. Click on the P in the map for directions.

The nearest bus stop for the 372 service is in Southwick, 1 mile from the reserve.

Terrain and Habitat

Reedbeds , Sea , Wetland , Beach , Mud flats , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Wheelchair , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

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Map

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