Kilminning Coast

Wildlife

In summer, listen out for the stonechat which has a call like two pebbles being banged together. Also look out for the white flowers of the scurvy-grass which, despite its name, is not a grass at all! Scurvy-grass gets its name from the leaves, which because of their high vitamin C content, were widely eaten on ships to prevent scurvy.

n winter, after the plants have finished flowering, many birds can still be seen on the reserve. Out to sea, cormorants and gannets often fly past. Closer to the shore, you may see the bobbing form of the male eider duck with its striking black and white plumage. On the shoreline itself, oystercatchers can frequently be seen feeding.

Historical Perspective

The first evidence of man’s use of the site comes from ancient stone burial chambers called cists which have been found opposite the Kilminning Castle rock. Another burial site, Long Man’s Grave, lies at the northeast end of the reserve. In local folklore, it is said to be the final resting place of a great Danish warrior.

During the Second World War the land behind the reserve was used as a Royal Navy Air Station. Remains of some of the defensive works that protected the airfield can still be seen on and around the Reserve.

Management

From the Second World War until recently the site was not grazed. During this time, a small number of tall grass species became dominant and swamped out many other plants. Since 1993 a small number of cattle have been used to graze part of the reserve during the summer months.

This grazing will reduce the vigour of the tall grasses and allow a greater range of other plants to flourish. In 1997 a survey of the vegetation communities on the reserve was completed. Such surveys help to determine what effect the grazing is having.

Getting there

Driving time from Edinburgh city centre: 1 hr 34 mins. See map below.