Byres Water

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Banffshire

Scotland

Byres Water

Fields by the River Spey The river used to be partly screened from here by the trees, but it has changed it course, taking some of the green field on the left bank with it. — Fields by the River Spey Credit: Anne Burgess

Byres Water is a freshwater loch located in the region of Banffshire, Scotland. Stretching over an area of approximately 20 acres, it is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility.

The loch is situated within the Byres Estate, which encompasses diverse habitats including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Byres Water itself is characterized by its calm, still waters, reflecting the surrounding landscape and offering a serene atmosphere. Its depth varies across different areas, with some parts measuring up to 15 feet deep.

The surrounding vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the loch. Dense reed beds and water lilies dot the edges, providing cover and nesting sites for numerous bird species such as mallards, coots, and moorhens. These bird species can often be seen gracefully gliding across the water or diving for food.

Byres Water also supports a diverse array of aquatic life. Various species of fish, including brown trout and pike, inhabit its depths, attracting anglers from far and wide. Additionally, the loch is home to a variety of invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles, further enriching its biodiversity.

The area surrounding Byres Water offers nature trails and picnic spots, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region. Whether it's a leisurely stroll around the loch or a peaceful afternoon spent birdwatching, Byres Water provides a tranquil escape for those seeking a connection with nature.

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Byres Water Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.650509/-3.0959877 or Grid Reference NJ3462. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fields by the River Spey

The river used to be partly screened from here by the trees, but it has changed it course, taking some of the green field on the left bank with it.

Anne Burgess

He's up there! No he's not, he's down here!!

A pair of Sand Martins enjoy some temporary respite between fly-catching duties on the banks of the Spey near Fochabers. The Sand Martin is the smallest of the hirundines (i.e. the swallow and martin family) and is the earliest to arrive in Europe each Spring.

Des Colhoun

Come any closer and I'm off!

A Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) is about to get airborne. The smallest of the hirundines (i.e. swallows and martins) this little chap arrives on the banks of the Spey every year in Spring.

Des Colhoun

Behold the Sand Martin Colony overlooking the Spey

Peppered with Sand Martin burrows the red sandy cliffs are constantly eroding; in fact I witnessed two major geological modifications to these cliffs in the space of two hours! The Sand Martin normally manages two broods on its annual visit to this colony.

Des Colhoun

Dainty but hawk like for all that

Look at the blade-like wings; the Sand Martin can out manoeuvre the fly and today I have seen them pick up hatching flies from turbulent water whilst going full tilt. There's no hiding their hawk-like qualities.

Des Colhoun

Sand Martin colony

Sand Martin colonies are easy to spot but are restricted to only a few localities. These little birds are very versatile and can be coaxed into taking up residence in newly opened sand quarries or artificial embankments specially made for them.

Des Colhoun

Too cute for words, a juvenile watches and waits

Perched on a piece of driftwood this downy Sand Martin chick awaits a bunch of flies from a parent which it will surely convert into airspeed.

Des Colhoun

Pool by the quarry on the Fochabers salmon fishings

It's raining heavily and the slow shutter speed fails to capture the airborne Sand Martins whose numbers are almost on a par with the flies on which they are preying. At last, something to make a spaniel look pedestrian!

Des Colhoun

River Spey Railway Viaduct

Elliott Simpson

Spey Viaduct

The viaduct carried the Moray Coast Railway over the River Spey near its mouth on the Moray Firth. It survived the closure of the railway and now is used as footpath / cycle path and removes the need to slog inland to Fochabers and the death trap that is the A96.

Richard Webb

River Spey near Garmouth

The river just upstream of the viaduct. The Spey is unusual in that it does not have a big estuary like most large rivers (a result of rising sea levels after the ice age) but flows into the sea with a short tidal section. The river has carted so much stuff down from the hills that it has filled its estuary.

Richard Webb

Millennium milepost, Garmouth

The posts on the Moray Council's stretch of route 1 are all green. (Checked that the spurious letters were all present in the ghastly spelt word millennium).

Richard Webb

Open space, Garmouth

A wooded open space on the site of the Moray Coast Railway.

Richard Webb

View over the Spey

To Garmouth; cormorants, a fisherman in the river and two golfers on the other bank.

Peter Barr

Tractor at work, with following of gulls

By the Speyside Way, Moray Firth.

Peter Barr

Overbridge 967 near Garmouth

Overbridge 967 carrying a local road over the old railway near Garmouth.

Alistair Oram

Shelter no more

The long shelter belt by the side of the minor road between Mosstodloch and Garmouth has been well and truly breached. Whether this was solely the result of the exceptional gales of 8 December 2011 and 3 January 2012 I am not sure.

Anne Burgess