Braehead Pool

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Banffshire

Scotland

Braehead Pool

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

Braehead Pool, located in Banffshire, is a picturesque freshwater marsh that offers a serene and tranquil environment for nature enthusiasts. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, it forms an integral part of the local ecology, providing a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The pool is nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, offering a scenic backdrop for visitors. It is fed by natural springs and rainfall, ensuring a constant flow of freshwater throughout the year. The pool's water is crystal clear and unpolluted, making it a haven for various aquatic species.

The surrounding area is characterized by a rich and diverse plant life. Tall reeds and rushes dominate the marshy areas, providing shelter and nesting grounds for numerous bird species. Visitors can spot a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans, gracefully gliding across the surface of the pool. The pool's edges are lined with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Braehead Pool is a popular destination for nature walks and birdwatching. Several well-maintained trails meander through the area, allowing visitors to explore the marsh and observe its inhabitants up close. The pool also offers fishing opportunities, with species such as trout and perch thriving in its waters.

Overall, Braehead Pool is a serene and ecologically important freshwater marsh in Banffshire. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

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Braehead Pool Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.647202/-3.093978 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

Open space, Garmouth

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

Richard Webb

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

A memorial to the fallen of Dallochy airfield

Dallachy field served as a launching point for counter shipping measures in the North sea during World War 2.NJ3562 : Lessons from the past?

Des Colhoun

Lessons from the past?

The plaque is found on the memorial in Bogmoor. NJ3562 : A memorial to the fallen of Dallochy airfield

Des Colhoun

Redundant salmon bothy on the banks of the Spey

These little sheds were once used by the netsmen as they netted the pools of the lower Spey. Netting ceased some years ago but it's cheering to see that the character of the area is maintained and the huts, of which there are several are well kept.

Des Colhoun