Knowetop Lochs SWT Reserve, Corsock
Knowetop Lochs is situated beside the Barlay Burn on the A712 between Balmaclellan and Corsock and has real upland feel to it. It has a rich variety of habitats including 2 Lochans, Wetland, Heathland, Birch Woodland, Conifer Plantation and Sphagnum Bog. It is, perhaps, best known for its butterflies and dragonflies: 16 species of butterfly are regularly recorded at Knowetop including Large Heath Butterfly, Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Ringlet and Scotch Argus. Knowetop also supports ten species of dragonfly and damselfly in its lochans and pools. Breeding birds include Sedge Warbler, Willow Tit and Water Rail.
- Birds: Warblers, Willow Tit, Water Rail, Siskin, Crossbill, Raven, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose
-
Reptiles: Adder, Common Lizard
-
Plants: Bog Asphodel, Sundew, Whorled Caraway, Bladderwort. Sphagnum-Moss.
Best In: May to September for Butterflies & Dragonflies.
Location
Adjacent to the A712, about 5 miles east of Balmaclellan and 5 miles west of Corsock
Grid Reference: NX 705788.
How to get there
By car: Follow the A712 from Balmaclellan to Corsock. Park at the reserve gate (room for only 2 cars), or in the layby on the other side of the road (room for 10 cars).
Facilities
-
Map-board at the entrance.
-
Dragonfly Pool near the entrance
-
A series of paths cover all parts of the reserve (not wheelchair accessible)
-
A series of boardwalks cover parts of the reserve, including the entrance and the Dragonfly Pool, but not all of the reserve.
Contact
Scottish Wildlife Trust
Galloway Centre Secretary: Graham Smith
Tel: 01644 420 881
Email: grahamsmith3@tiscali.co.uk
Website: www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk
