Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve is an enclosed tidal estuary of the river South Esk, covering 750 Hectares on the edge of the Angus town of Montrose. The Reserve provides the ideal habitat for over 200 different species of birds throughout the year. In autumn and winter we are visited by over 80,000 Pink Footed Geese as they make their annual migration south from Iceland and Greenland. In addition
the reserve hosts a great variety of ducks and wading species including Eider, Wigeon, Pintail, Oystercatchers, Lapwing and Greenshanks. Spring and summer sees the return of our breeding species from Africa and Europe. On a daily basis Ospreys can be seen fishing at low tide, Sand Martins can be watched flying in and out of our nesting wall and Swallows fly to and from their nests in the eaves of the Visitor Centre. Our specially constructed tern raft, providing nesting space for up to 100 Common Terns, can also be viewed from the centre. Our 4* rated Visitor Centre is the ideal place to take in the spectacular views across the reserve and try to spot many of our iconic bird species. The centre includes telescopes, binoculars and live camera streams to help you explore the Basin, interpretation and interactive panels to help you learn more about the reserve and an activity area to help keep the children entertained. You can also enjoy a hot drink and snack from our café or browse the range of wildlife gifts available in our shop. There are also walks and bird hides situated around the reserve, giving you the ideal opportunity to explore and get closer to the wildlife. Details of the walks can be found on our reserve leaflet, or just drop into the centre to speak to a member of staff. The Visitor Centre and Ranger teams run a variety of events throughout the year, aimed at children, adults and families. These events include early morning walks to see the spectacle of up to 80,000 Pink Footed Geese, fun days where the whole family can take part in a range of craft activities and ranger led practical volunteer days allowing you to get stuck in and find out about the jobs we do to maintain the reserve. Full details of our upcoming events can be found here; http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/visitor-centres/montrose-basin/
The visitor centre is open daily 10.30am - 5pm from mid-February to end of October and 10.30am - 4pm Fri, Sat, Sun, and Mon from 1st November until mid February. Admission prices are as follows;
Adults £5.50
Concessions £5.00
Children FREE
Scottish Wildlife Trust Members FREE
