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Outing to:
Kinneil Lagoon and Bothkennar Pools, Skinflats Sunday 23rd March 2025 |
 Teal © David Palmar
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PRICE: Free
TIME: 10:00 - 15:00 (approx.), but you are free to leave earlier!
VENUES: Kinneil is a tidal lagoon and there are extensive mudflats at the mouth of the river Avon where it joins the Forth. Turn north off A904 Grangemouth to Bo'ness road at Grid ref NS96868033 and park near the sewage works at NS961811 [Google Maps link]. We will meet here at 10:00.
After lunch we will move to the Bothkennar Pools at Skinflats. These are brackish pools with reedbeds and adjoining saltmarsh. Turn off the A905 onto the Newton Road on the north side of the River Carron at NS910823; there is limited parking space further along the road at NS914828. [Google Maps Link]
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: Plenty of waders including Godwits, Greenshank, Knot, Dunlin, Lapwing; ducks including Shelduck, Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Scaup and Pintail; with luck we might see a hunting Peregrine or a passing Skua.
TRAVELLING:
By car: Follow the directions above. We will meet at the parking area near the sewage works at NS961811 [Google Maps link]
Public Transport: It is difficult to reach either of these sites by public transport, so we will need lifts for those without a car. If you are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are happy for your contact details to be shared, please contact Ania Owsianka ([email protected]) in good time.
TERRAIN: The walking will be on level ground with no serious obstacles.
OPTICS: Binoculars are essential and a telescope would be very useful for birds on the pools and mudflats.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Please bring a packed lunch
- Toilets are available at the Asda superstore in Grangemouth (and also at the Klondyke Garden Centre on the A9 just south-west of M9 junction 5). We will probably stop at Asda for a lunch break and toilets en route from Kinneil to Skinflats.
- Detailed information about this area can be found on the SOC's excellent App 'Where to Watch Birds in Scotland'
The outing will be led by a member of SOC Central Branch.
NB: May be postponed due to poor weather. Check this page (on www.birdsinclyde.scot) and Clyde Birding on X (Twitter) in advance.