Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Map showing the location of Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Location Dinnet, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Coordinates 57°4′6″N 2°55′29″W / 57.06833°N 2.92472°W / 57.06833; -2.92472Coordinates: 57°4′6″N 2°55′29″W / 57.06833°N 2.92472°W / 57.06833; -2.92472
Governing body Scottish Natural Heritage
Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Official name Muir of Dinnet
Designated 22 July 1999
Reference no. 1003[1]

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) is situated close to the village of Dinnet in Aberdeenshire. The reserve extends 1163 hectares, from the River Dee to Culbean hill, encompassing a wide range of habitats. The Reserve was first declared in 1977 because of its value as a habitat for flora and fauna, and important geomorphological features.[2] Muir of Dinnet NNR is owned by Dinnet Estate and managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), who provide a visitor centre and a range of other facilities on the Reserve.[3]

Glacial landscape

One of the most impressive features of the reserve is the gorge and giant pothole known as the 'Vat' or 'Burn o' Vat. This was carved out by a huge meltwater river at the end of the last Ice Age. There are also a number of other discernible glacial features throughout the Reserve, including kettle hole lochs, kames and eskers.

Flora and fauna

The variety of habitats at Muir of Dinnet culminate in an impressive range of wildlife and plant species being recorded at the Reserve. This includes 140 bird species, 13 of which are UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) species. Otters are also regularly seen at Muir of Dinnet NNR, along with seven other UKBAP mammal species, such as red squirrels and Pipistrelle and Brown Long-Eared Bats.

Other designations

Muir of Dinnet holds a number of designations for its important natural heritage interests. Loch Kinord and Loch Davan are designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), as well as a Ramsar site.[4] Two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), including the Muir of Dinnet SAC and the River Dee SAC also overlap the Reserve. The Reserve also forms part of the Muir of Dinnet Site of Special Scientific Interest and includes three scheduled monuments and one Geological Conservation Review site.

Other information

Six Striped Rustic - a film which heavily features Muir of Dinnet, by artist Chris Dooks was made in 2013, commissioned by Woodend Barn Arts in Banchory as part of their Atomic Doric season of cultural works about the area.[5]


References

  1. ↑ "Muir of Dinnet". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  2. ↑ Scottish Natural Heritage - Muir of Dinnet
  3. ↑ http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/A1022773.pdf
  4. ↑ Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) - Muir of Dinnet
  5. ↑ Six Striped Rustic


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