Bemersyde Moss Nature Reserve

Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Bemersyde Moss nature reserve is situated in the village of Bemersyde in the Scottish Borders. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has a diverse fen habitat that includes a long, narrow strip of marsh, willow scrub, and open pools of water.

It was once part of a much larger area of loch and peatland which was drained in the 18th century, but since the 1940s the water levels have been rising again. The site was once was home to one of the largest colony of black-headed gulls in Scotland. Up to 15,000 pairs would arrive to breed each year but since the turn of the century the population has all but disappeared most likely due to predation and disturbance by otters that inhabit Bemersyde Moss.

During spring, the reserve plays host to a variety of breeding birds including lapwings, moorhens, little grebes, mallards, and mute swans, as well as water rails, although these secretive birds are more often seen than heard. There are also some rarer waterfowl such as pochards, black-necked grebes, and a small population of ruddy ducks.

Woodland birds such as willow warblers, tree sparrows, spotted flycatchers, and bullfinches can also be spotted across the reserve, and in early summer swallows fly in from Africa.

In winter, migrating species of waterfowl arrive, including teals, shovelers, goldeneyes, wigeon,s and whooper swans, as well as small numbers of greylag and pink-footed geese, while the scrub in the mire attracts roosting fieldfares, redwings, and starlings.

The site also attracts birds of prey. Look out for buzzards, kestrels, and barn owls, as well as the occasional sparrowhawk and peregrine falcon.

The reserve has a bird hide which is accessed via a boardwalk and is suitable for wheelchair users, but in wet weather can be slippery.

Please note, dogs are permitted on Bemersyde Moss reserve but must be kept on a lead at all times.