Caithness Lochs

Caithness Lochs is a protected wetland area in the historic county of Caithness in the far north of Scotland. With a total area of 1,379 hectares, it covers six freshwater lochs and a complex area of fen and swamp, and has been protected as a Ramsar Site since 1998.[2]

Caithness Lochs
Loch Watten, one of the Caithness Lochs
LocationHighland, Scotland
Coordinates58.491667°N 3.33333°W / 58.491667; -3.33333
Area13.79 km2 (5.32 sq mi)[1]
Established1998 (extended 2000)
Governing bodyScottish Natural Heritage (SNH)

The area comprises seven distinct wetlands, each of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest: Broubster Leans, Loch of Mey, Loch Calder, Loch Heilen, Loch of Wester, Loch Scarmclate and Loch Watten. These provide a variety of habitats for waterfowl and wading birds, including internationally important populations of greylag geese, white-fronted geese and whooper swans.[1] It is also important for several species of reed, pondweed and water sedge.[3]

As well as being recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention[2], Caithness Lochs has also has been designated a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.[1][4]

References
  1. "Caithness Lochs SPA". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  2. "Caithness Lochs". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  3. "UK Caithness Lochs" (PDF). Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  4. "Caithness Lochs SPA". Scottish Natural Heritage. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
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