The valley of the River North Esk between Penicuik and Polton contains not only some popular walks but also one of Lothian's most productive woodlands. Oak, ash, beech and wych elm are dominant, with 13 other broad-leaved species and a few Scots pine and yew.

Access is varied: part is woodland with footpaths, part is a Country Park and Railway Walk administered by the local authority and 19 hectares is a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve.

The Penicuik to Bonnyrigg Railway Walk (NT236596 to 312650) follows the old rail route to Penicuik closed in 1967. It extends for over 5 miles and can be joined at Eskbridge Station at the foot of Kirkhill Road in Penicuik, Esk Bridge, Auchendinny, Rosslyn Castle 'station', Rosewell or Bonnyrigg. You can also enter the woodlands of the Beeslack Estate. The Roslin Glen Country Park is centred on the old Gunpowder Mill (NT266623). Access is from the B7003 Roslin-Rosewell Road or on foot from the Railway Walk from the bridge at the north end of the Tin Tunnel - a path runs up the north embankment to a grassy slope. The SWT reserve, requiring a permit for access, is on the south bank opposite the Castle.

One of the best walks is from Rosslyn Castle along a right of way on the north bank to Polton Mill (NT275628 to 286649). This stretch passes through some of the best south-facing woodland in a steep-sided glen. There are many cliffs and caves - one of which is said to be the site of Robert the Bruce's encounter with the famous spider. A leaflet 'The Penicuik to Bonnyrigg Walkway' is published by Midlothian District Council and the Manpower Services Commission.

The whole range of farmland, scrub, river and woodland birds are found in this area. Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Redstart, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit and Woodcock are amongst the interesting species in the woods and the Rosslyn Castle to Polton walk holds a few pairs of Wood Warbler (best heard in late May-early June). Pied Flycatchers certainly bred in the past, and the introduction of nest boxes would probably see them return. In winter the fields and hedges are good haunts for finch flocks, including Brambling and in summer Quail have been heard in some years. Dippers and Grey Wagtail breed on the river and if you are lucky you may see a Kingfisher.

Rosslynlea Reservoir (NT273595) is a small reservoir located just off the A6094 between Rosewell and Howgate at the turning off to Mount Lothian. View from the road.

The 75 acres of the Royal Botanic Garden are situated on the north side of the City of Edinburgh, about one mile from the City centre. The Garden is open to the public from 9 a.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays and closes at sunset in winter and one hour before sunset in summer. Admission is free.

Much of the Garden consists of lawns with specimen conifers, evergreen and deciduous trees. The shrub and herbaceous borders provide reasonable cover for small birds and the fruits and seeds of the wide variety of plants sustain many birds throughout the year. It must be remembered that many of the borders, trees and lawns are maintained far too tidily and well manicured for some species, but this is a Botanic Garden not a nature reserve. A small semi-natural pond, artificial stream and the surrounding wet ground attract a number of wetland species and is always worth a visit, especially early in the morning.

Many of the common City birds are found at quite high densities and are often very tame and confiding, with Blue Tits and Robins feeding out of visitors' hands. Breeding birds include Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Collared Dove, Goldcrest, Magpie, Mistle Thrush and Spotted Flycatcher. Sparrowhawks nest and regularly rear three young. They can be seen most days and are remarkably tolerant of visitors. They appear to have replaced the Kestrels which in the past nested in the church on Inverleith Terrace.

Hawfinches are probably the most sought after species in the Garden and have bred. The best months to spot them are April and May, before the leaves develop on the trees. Early morning or late evening is the best time to see them, as they can disappear when visitors are numerous. As many as seven have been seen at one time and they can be found from the ground to the top of the highest trees, especially in the wooded area in the south-west of the Garden.

Redpolls are regular winter visitors on the birch and alder and have bred, but many singing and displaying pairs in spring appear to leave the Garden in early May to nest elsewhere. I have no record of warblers breeding in the Garden although Willow Warblers and Blackcaps may be heard singing, especially along the southern boundary of the Garden where their territories can encompass the rough vegetation along the Water of Leith. Blackcaps winter most years and are most often seen near the pond feeding on the fruiting spikes of Gunnera or the shrub borders eating small fruit.

Two other resident birds are Tawny Owls and Treecreepers. The owls may be heard calling near closing time in winter or may be spotted roosting on a branch during the day. Treecreepers were reasonably common until quite recently but in the last year their numbers appear to have declined.

The pond has a resident population of two or three pairs of Moorhen and a pair of Little Grebes nests most years. Water Rails return most winters and if they stay long enough can become quite approachable. An occasional Heron is disturbed in the early morning and Night Herons from the Zoo may be spotted in the surrounding trees in the spring. Kingfishers may visit the pond if the Water of Leith is in flood and Dipper and Coot have been recorded. Mallard are the only duck regularly visiting the pond and sometimes breed in the Garden.

Other visitors to the Garden include Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Crossbills, Fieldfare, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Linnet, Pied and Grey Wagtails, Redwing, Siskin, Waxwing and Woodcock. On the lawns there may be Redshank and Oystercatcher and overhead geese, Short-eared Owl, Fulmar and Cormorant.

The most unusual visitor of all must be a Little Auk which was found on a lawn one winter's day. It was caught, fed and flew away when released at the Firth of Forth.

This is one of the last remaining raised peat bogs in Lothian and has been a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve since 1979. In addition to raised bog there are a variety of ponds and marshes which together hold varied breeding and winter populations. Tailend is situated between Livingston and Bathgate and the easiest approach is along the A89 turning at Boghall onto the B708.

Ducks, including Pochard and Shoveler, have bred and in winter Jack Snipe and Short-eared Owl are specialities. In recent years passage birds have included Marsh Harrier, Wryneck and Stonechat. Whooper Swans can be found on the reserve in winter when the ponds not frozen, but another favoured site used by the same flock is fields by the River Almond, west of Livingston, near Seafield.

Threipmuir and the adjoining Harlaw Reservoir lie in the north-western foothills of the Pentland Hills at approximately 250 metres above sea level. The reservoir was constructed in the mid-19th century through the damming of the Bavelaw Burn in order to maintain a flow of water for the mills along the Water of Leith to compensate for the loss of water harnessed from the springs to supply Edinburgh with drinking water. However its function today as a compensation reservoir has, until recently, resulted in wide variations in water levels, especially in late summer.

1. To the west of Redford Bridge is the shallow semi-natural marshland complex known as Bavelaw Marsh which contains a variety of habitats including open water, fen, willow carr, birch scrub and wet grassland. This area forms part of the Balerno Common SSSI which includes Red Moss, a raised bog managed by the SWT. Importantly the management of Bavelaw reserve by Lothian Regional Council includes an agreement to maintain high water levels until July to benefit breeding waterfowl. Fishing however is still permitted as is wildfowling.

2. Between Redford Bridge and Easter Bavelaw Bridge is a narrow 'enclosed' stretch of water known as mid-Threipmuir which is really an extension of the Marsh with emergent vegetation and surrounded by scrub. The remains of the former Redford Wood lie to the NW.

3. The main reservoir is surrounded by agricultural land with rough pasture and the heather-covered Black Hill to the SE.

4. The shallow SE extension to the reservoir, known as the Black Springs, is dominated by a Phragmites reed bed and other emergent vegetation.

5. Harlaw Reservoir, surrounded by Scots Pines, is much deeper than Threipmuir and still suffers from great variations in water level as part of the agreement to maintain Threipmuir/Bavelaw levels.

The complex of habitats at this locality make it one of the most important birdwatching reservoirs in Lothian Region, yet surprisingly it has been underwatched by observers visiting on a regular basis.

Most people park in the vicinity of the Red Moss by the Birch Wood and walk to Redford Bridge. A key is required to make use of the Bavelaw hide and is available from the Pentland Hills Ranger Service at Hillend Park, Biggar Road, Edinburgh EH10 7DU (0131-445 3383). A record book is provided in the hide - please make use of it but indicate clearly whether birds were seen on Bavelaw or elsewhere. From the bridge and/or the hide extensive views can be obtained of the Marsh and patient watching, especially during the breeding season, should produce most of the regular birds the site has to offer. (Please note that access to Bavelaw Marsh other than to the hide is by permit only, also obtainable from PHRS). From the car park one can also walk past the Birch Wood to the main reservoir then walk along the shore to the dam and onto Black Springs, perhaps returning via Harlaw Reservoir. There is also access on through the hills from Redford Bridge to Glencorse and Loganlea which provides a very attractive circular route through the whole north-west Pentlands area (see Pentland Hill Walk).

The very nature of the habitats present means that the site can be of interest at any time of the year. Over 100 species are recorded in most years and regular observations over the past 5 years have shown the site to be of regional importance for breeding waterfowl and of local importance, especially at Bavelaw Marsh, for a variety of breeding passerines while the adjoining agricultural land can support large flocks of finches and buntings during the winter months.

10+ pairs of Little Grebes and 5+ pairs of Great Crested Grebes attempt to breed most years, mainly on Bavelaw. A wintering flock of about 10 Whooper Swans occurs, and up to 500-600 Greylag Geese feed and/or roost at the main reservoir in autumn/winter, as well as feral breeding birds. Several hundred Mallard occur in autumn/winter with fewer Teal while Wigeon, Pochard and Shoveler records in late spring produce the potential for breeding. A moult flock of over 100 Tufted Duck uses the main reservoir in July and August. Most other wildfowl species occur at some time during the year including the occasional Smew and in 1988 a pair of Ruddy Duck.

The winter months can be particularly fruitful for raptors especially at Bavelaw with Hen Harrier fairly regular until recently. Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Merlin are occasionally seen at any time of year. Water Rail are occasionally recorded at Bavelaw and may well breed while Moorhen and Coot are well represented breeding species with 10+ and 15+ pairs respectively most years.

Although all the common waders breed in the area, including Golden Plover in the Black Hill area, spring passage counts of some species can be most interesting. Spring is a favoured time for Golden Plover flocks usually at the north side of Threipmuir where flocks of 300 or more may occur including 'northern' birds in mid-late April. Flocks of 100+ Curlew are also a regular feature by Bavelaw/East Rigg in early spring. If the water level is low in autumn, exposing muddy shorelines, it is not unlikely that Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Ruff, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and other less common waders will be recorded (the low water levels of the mid-1970s produced many such records). The Marsh also supports the most important Black-headed Gull colony in the Lothians with over 1000 pairs present in recent years.

Stock Doves breed in the area and flocks of over 50 have been recorded in spring. One of the first Cuckoo of the year can usually be heard in the Bavelaw area by early May while until recently Long-eared Owl was a regular breeding species. Autumn and winter can turn up the occasional Short-eared Owl. Dull summer days are often brightened by flocks of Swifts, Swallows and House Martins hawking low over the reservoir. A Great Spotted Woodpecker is occasionally recorded by the Birch Wood.

Stubble fields in autumn can attract substantial flocks of Skylarks while a local speciality is the Tree Pipit usually present in the Bavelaw/mid-Threipmuir area but now greatly reduced in number since the felling of Redford Wood. Redstarts can be reported on passage in the woodland areas and probably breed near Bavelaw Castle while Whinchat and Wheatear can arrive in some numbers in spring at east Threipmuir, but alas the Stonechat has disappeared from this area as elsewhere in Lothian. Bavelaw is a favourite area for hearing the first Willow Warbler of the spring but the Marsh is particularly important for Sedge Warblers with 25-30 territories.

Stubble fields can support substantial mixed flocks of Chaffinches, Bramblings, Linnets and occasionally Snow Buntings and Yellowhammers; these can be present throughout the winter if the stubbles remain unploughed. Reed Buntings can also occur in these passerine flocks but with c.20 territories in the area in summer it is as a breeding species that it adds to the importance of the Bavelaw/mid-Threipmuir complex.

Although a popular area disturbance is fairly minimal at present but with the Pentlands Hills Regional Park now in existence pressure for recreational uses especially of the open water habitats are likely to increase so it is essential that up-to-date data is obtained from regular observations and submission of records to ensure that the nature conservation value of the site is fully recognised both now and in the future; hopefully such data will prevent any harmful developments taking place.

The estuary of the River Tyne is most often referred to as Tyninghame Bay, but it is also known as the John Muir Country Park. The estuary is not a bird reserve although being on the east coast and containing a variety of habitats it is one of Lothian's most important bird habitats and well worth regular visits. The Park was approved in 1976 and covers 1667 acres mainly between high and low water from Pefferside to Dunbar, although this article includes a wider area much of it outside the Park itself. The surrounding land of Tyninghame Estate belongs to Earl of Haddington and is private except for certain footpaths. There are four points of access with parking: Tyninghame Links Car Park (Limetree Walk), Ware Road (off the A198), Linkfield Car Park and Shore Road Car Park (Belhaven). Within the Park birdwatching is considered as just one leisure activity along with wildfowling, horse riding, canoeing and fishing and parts of the estuary therefore suffer from excessive disturbance. For this reason and also the size of the estuary, birds tend to be distant and not easy to find without a telescope. The inner bay is one of the quieter parts of the estuary, outside the shooting season that is, and the river flowing into the estuary is a natural focal attraction. The list of habitats is impressive: mud and sand flats, saltmarsh, dunes, pasture and arable land, deciduous and coniferous woods, parkland, river, stream and pools, rocky shore and open coast. It is not surprising that the species list for the whole area is over 225.

Walks in the area are divided into two since you cannot cross the River Tyne. The North Side can only be approached from Tyninghame Links Car Park and is effectively in two parts. The South Side can be split into four sections or can be considered as one larger walk. You will see that to do the whole estuary and some of the surrounding areas you need more than one day! As with other estuaries the state of the tide has an enormous effect not so much on the variety of species you will see, but more the ease with which you will see them and the views you might get. Some indication of the best tides for each walk is given.

(1) North Side (St Baldred's Cradle)

Park at Tyninghame Links Car Park, circuit through Links Wood to St Baldred's Cradle (Whitberry Point) and back to Car Park, possible extensions to Pefferside (along the beach), Sandy Hirst or continue to Mosshouse Point (see 2). Tide not important.

(2) North Side (Saltmarsh walk to Mosshouse Point)

Park at Tyninghame Links Car Park, continue on the main track through Links Wood then take the path along the back of the saltmarsh to the river mouth (at Mosshouse Point) - this can be wet so you will need wellies. Don't try a short cut across the saltmarsh as there are deep channels. Retrace the same route back. Best a couple of hours either side of high tide.

(3) South Side (Spike Island)

Park at Linkfield Car Park. Circular walk across saltmarsh around Spike Island, along side of Hedderwick Plantation to Hedderwick Burn (the woods there are worth a look), then back either along the same route or take the short cut behind the Plantation. Again best on a rising tide - try and look at the river channel as it overflows and aim to be at the Spike Island roost on the high spring tides. Suggested extension to Buist's Embankment (see 4) or Belhaven Bay (see 5 and 6).

(4) South Side (Buist's Embankment)

Park off the A198 on the Ware Road, which is a public footpath which takes you to the Embankment. Walk N as far as you can to look up the river. Retrace route back. For best views it is essential to be waiting as the tide overflows the river channel and starts covering the sand flats - this occurs 21/2 hours before a spring tide, but is only at this state at the very peak of a neap tide.

(5) South Side (Seafield Pond)

Park at Shore Road Car Park, walk west then around Pond and back same route. Alternatively you can pull in off A1087. Tide doesn't really matter, although high tide best for Biel 'estuary' at Belhaven.

(6) South Side (Belhaven Point)

Park at Shore Road Car Park, walk around seaward side of Winterfield Golf Course as far as Dunbar. Belhaven Point is the most suitable view point. Return by same route. Low tide probably best as it gives you a better height for scanning, but calm sea essential (see also details of Seafield Pond and Belhaven Point).

Geese do not occur in such large numbers as they do at Aberlady, presumably due to shooting pressure at the potential roost. Pink-footed Geese used to feed and roost in large numbers, particularly in the late 1950s, but now Greylags outnumber Pinkfeet and can number over 500 after the shooting season, in April. Favoured fields are those between the A198 and the Embankment. Before the Buist's Embankment was constructed in c.1850 high tides used to flood this area, known as Salt Greens - what a superb habitat that must have provided. The mainly arable fields which now cover the area are also the best areas for swans; there is a resident group of 20-30 non-breeding Mute Swans, and up to 30 Whoopers winter in the area, but always check for Bewick's which occasionally turn up. Rarer geese have also been recorded, such as Bean, White-fronted and Snow. In contrast, any Brent and Canada Geese visiting the area are invariably found within the estuary. There is a sizeable wintering Wigeon flock (up to 600) and the Shelduck usually peak at over 100 in March. The estuary is also the only local winter site for Greenshank with 2-3 favouring the river mouth area and Heckie's Hole; single Green Sandpiper also used to winter on the river, but there are no recent records.

Birds of prey regularly visit the estuary as it is a rich source of food for them. Peregrine, Merlin and Sparrowhawk are the most regular; a Buzzard used to winter on the estate and did so again in 1984/85; Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl are more irregular. In October 1960, a Rough-legged Buzzard frequented the area just upriver below East Linton.

Shore Lark could be said to be a Tyninghame speciality. The Spike Island saltmarsh is the place to look especially in November. There are usually only small numbers but in 1976/77 a flock of up to 79 overwintered; this flock sometimes fed inland. Snow Bunting and Twite also favour this saltmarsh area.

Migrant species can be seen either using the estuary or just flying over. The wintering Wigeon and Teal largely disperse by mid April but spring it the time to see the passage ducks like Gadwall, Shoveler, Pintail and perhaps Garganey - all in the river mouth area, although they often visit Seafield Pond until inevitably disturbed. In two consecutive winters an American Black Duck, Lothian's first, frequented the estuary. A non-breeding flock of Mute Swans (40-60) gathers in the inner estuary and adjacent fields, these are often joined by lingering Whoopers, sometimes into May. Waders especially Ringed Plover and Dunlin pass through in considerable numbers, together with a few Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank. Avocet, Broad-billed Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover are amongst the rarer spring waders. Marsh Harrier and Osprey have been seen in the Bay but the latter cause chaos amongst the waders and rarely stay any time.

Passerine migrants may make their first landfall in the buckthorn patches around Spike Island and at Whitberry Point but they soon disperse inland. Ring Ouzel, Redstart and Whinchat are examples but Bluethroat and Red-backed Shrike are on the Tyninghame list. White Wagtails and Wheatears stop off on the more open areas and Siskin, Tree Pipit and Crossbill turn up in the woods.

Many pairs of Eiders breed, their nests being found in woods, long grass, potato drills and in the middle of grain fields. Shelduck also breed, but they often use disused rabbit burrows for their nesting site. Terns and Ringed Plover nest in an enclosed area on the shore. Small numbers of waders breed on the Spike Island saltmarsh and behind the Buist's Embankment. Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, tits, warblers and finches breed in the surrounding woodland, the oldest of which were planted in the early 1700s. Hawfinch have been recorded in summer and the odd pair may breed. A heronry, situated in inaccessible woodland up the River Tyne, dates from at least 1885. There is little evidence of migration in summer but the estuary is a favoured stopping off point for Canada Geese making their moult migration from England to the Beauly Firth; flocks of 10-30 are seen in June and Aug-Sept.

Wader passage attracts much interest and the best site for small waders is the roost on the north end of the Spike Island saltmarsh. Dunlin and Ringed Plover normally roost here on the highest tides, and if Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper are around this is the best place. Frustratingly this site is more often than not disturbed at weekends, the birds joining the larger waders on the northern saltmarsh where they are virtually impossible to get to watch closely. Whimbrel favour the northern saltmarsh although they often fly around calling before they head off south - again Tyninghame scores better than Aberlady and there is probably a large turn-over of individuals. Common Sandpiper can number 10-20 up the river in July to August, and Greenshanks which regularly peak at 10-15 (a large number for Lothian) also occur here and in the estuary's creeks especially Heckie's Hole. Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit are quite uncommon, but Sanderling frequent the sandy beach at Spike Island. Rarities include Spotted, White-rumped and Pectoral Sandpipers and Temminck's Stint and there must be potential for a lot more! Black Tern and Little Gull are visitors to the estuary.

Goosanders sometimes congregate off the point in autumn, reaching a peak on 57 in August 1988. This species is also seen in the estuary as are other passage duck such as Shoveler and Pintail. Autumn and winter are the best times to spot the rare Kingfisher visiting the estuary from further upriver. The tidal pool behind the Embankment, Seafield Pond and the Biel and Hedderwick Burns are additional sites to the more favoured River Tyne.

Groups of waders can sometimes be observed calling excitedly as they fly high inland over the Buist's Embankment, mainly in the evening, on a rising tide and in fine weather - it is assumed that they are leaving the estuary to continue a south-west migration overland along the edge of the Lammermuirs and Moorfoots and perhaps turning up at Gladhouse.

Whitberry Point (probably better known as St Baldred's Cradle) is well situated for seawatching. It is always worth a look especially in onshore winds, but good passages most often occur in gales and you will have to find what shelter you can behind the stone seat. Kittiwake, Arctic and Great Skuas and Manx Shearwater are the most frequently seen seabirds; Pomarine Skua, Sooty Shearwater, Little Auk, a petrel sp., and a Grey Phalarope have also been recorded. A Long-tailed Skua was picked up disabled in October 1972 and taken to an SOC meeting!

Rare autumn passerines at Tyninghame include Red-breasted Flycatcher, Woodchat and Great Grey Shrikes and Subalpine Warbler.

In its ten mile journey through Edinburgh the Water of Leith provides ample opportunities for the viewing of common riverside birds. From Balerno to Slateford and further down from Roseburn to Stockbridge the river flows fast over a rocky bed and Dipper and Grey Wagtail territories are practically contiguous. The stream moves more slowly elsewhere and little may be encountered apart from groups of Mallard. Moorhen, much scarcer now on the river, are most likely outside the breeding season. Herons can be encountered throughout the year almost anywhere but are commonest on the upper stretches. Kingfishers are a possibility in the autumn especially around Slateford. In the section below Great Junction Street in Leith the traditional flock of Mute Swans has re-established itself after disappearing in the early 1980s. A flock of Tufted Duck is keeping them company in winter.

While in many places city buildings press closely on either side of the river, elsewhere a green strip of varying width provides a wide variety of natural habitats. Most birds liable to turn up in this part of Scotland will be encountered along the river sooner or later with woodland or open scrubland species particularly well catered for. There is now easy public access along most of the course of the river with a network of paths where broader areas of parkland abut the river.

Those wishing to sample the birdlife of the Water of Leith for the first time should use Colinton as the starting point where there is a handy car park under the main bridge over the river (NT213690). Crossing from Colinton this can be reached by taking the narrow opening on the right just past the bridge. From this point it is possible to walk all the way up to Balerno using the old railway walkway and various other tracks. Of the alternative points of access the road leading to Currie Kirk provides the easiest (NT183677). Walking in the opposite direction through a well-lit short railway tunnel, Colinton Dell can be reached. An alternative plan here would be to walk upstream from the Dell Inn beside Slateford Bridge (NT221708). Colinton Dell is a rich area with large areas of mature deciduous woodland, scrubby patches and open grassland and well repays repeated visits. In spring it can be good for common warblers, plus Wood Warbler some years. Just below Roseburn and enclosed by a bend in the river is a considerable area of neglected scrubland which few people seem to be aware of. It could be worth an occasional visit being reached with a bit of a scramble from Roseburn Cliff.

The scene along much of the river is constantly changing. Areas of dismantled mills and abandoned railways have provided exciting, if often temporary, new habitats. Redevelopment or over-assiduous tidying up can wipe out favourite corners. Increasingly people are being encouraged to see the river as a recreational resource and when trying to watch birds one is often at the mercy of other people. Joggers and fishermen seem to be around incredibly early some mornings. At other times one can have the whole place to oneself.

Much of the sessile oak wood that makes the banks of the Woodhall Burn a Site of Special Scientific Interest is now a Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. All the common woodland birds occur as well as reasonable numbers of Redstarts and occasional Wood Warblers, both scarce breeding species in Lothian, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Woodcock and, on the higher edges, a few Tree Pipits. The old deciduous trees by the Brunt are one of the most regular sites in the Lothians for Marsh Tits which reach their northern limit in Britain here. These are best seen from the road near the ford or just up the Woodhall Burn from there. The scrub nearby holds a variety of finches and warblers including the odd Lesser Whitethroat. Higher up there are Whinchats and Wheatears where the trees give way to scrub and open ground. Adjacent moorland has birds such as Curlew and Red Grouse.

The site is not an easy one to walk round and plans for paths and access had not been finalised when this was written in 1988. The Brunt is an obvious starting point or a car can be parked near Weatherly. The wood itself is on steep banks and is unsuitable for large groups, the very young or the disabled. The surrounding land is grazed by livestock, mostly sheep, and visitors must be careful not to alarm stock, especially during lambing, and under no circumstances bring dogs into the area.