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Loch of Strathbeg Saltmarsh

Key Findings

The East Grampian Coast’s most northerly large saltmarsh can be found at the Loch of Strathbeg. Despite being quite small, it offers a permanent home, seasonal roost, and temporary stop off point for many bird species, creating a site with global ecological significance (JNSS, 2019). The wider Loch of Strathbeg site is home to 25% of the UK, Iceland and Eastern Greenland’s Pink-footed Goose population (JNSS, 2019), making up 20% of the global population (RSPB, n.d. 1). Other species that frequent the site include Whooper Swans, Teals, Lapwings and Redshanks (RSPB, n.d. 2). It is also the location of the largest dune slack pool in the whole UK (JNCC, 2008), a body of freshwater within dunes set back from the ocean. 

Figure. 1 shows a detailed outline of the Loch of Strathbeg saltmarsh (Scottish Government, 2012). To protect this unique habitat, it has received multiple nature conservation designations. Figures 2 & 3 show a  breakdown of the protected designations around the Loch of Strathbeg , with the saltmarsh itself shown in green. 

The Loch of Strathbeg saltmarsh is designated: 
- Loch of Strathbeg SSSI (Blue outline) (NatureScot, 1991)
- Loch of Strathbeg SPA (Red outline) (NatureScot, 1995 a)
- Loch of Strathbeg RAMSAR site (Red outline) (NatureScot, 1995 b)
The site is also protected by Goose Management Scheme S49 (NatureScot, 2019). Detailed maps of these designations can be found at: https://sitelink.nature.scot/home?q=loch%20of%20strathbeg
Please see the ‘Nature Conservation Designations’ sheet for details on these designations. 

 

Fig. 1: Loch of Strathbeg Saltmarsh (Scottish Government, 2012)

Fig. 2: Wide view of Nature Conservation Designations around the Loch of Strathbeg..

Fig. 3: Closer view of Nature Conservation Designations around the Loch of Strathbeg.

Notes

Linked Information Sheets

Seafood Landings by Value into the North East of Scotland - Employment in the fishing industry offshore- Employment in the fishing industry onshore- Markets for Seafood - Fraserburgh Harbour, Peterhead Harbour - Aberdeen Harbour - Small Harbours north of Aberdeen - Small Harbours South of Aberdeen – Status of key commercial species – Numbers of fishing vessels – Training - Employment - Mackerel line catch value

Key sources of Information

Reviewed on/by

20/08/2024 by Cathryn Lovie

22/08/2024 by Ian Hay

 

Status

 First Draft (this is for demonstration only at this time and has not been reviewed) 

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Cover Photograph - David R. Green

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