Bellymack Moss

Downs, Moorland in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Bellymack Moss

Bellymack Fields A large modern [post-2010] house on the B795 just east of Laurieston. — Bellymack Fields Credit: M J Richardson

Bellymack Moss is a stunning area of downs and moorland located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. It is known for its natural beauty and diverse ecological features. The landscape of Bellymack Moss is characterized by undulating hills, heathland, and vast expanses of moss and peat bogs.

The moss itself is a prominent feature of the area, providing a unique habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The moss is made up of thick layers of decomposed plant material, which create a spongy and waterlogged ground. This environment supports a range of rare and specialized plants, including sphagnum moss, bog cotton, and sundew.

The downs and moorland of Bellymack Moss are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The area is particularly renowned for its birdlife, with species such as curlews, lapwings, and red grouse being commonly spotted. The open landscape also attracts birds of prey, including kestrels and buzzards. Mammals such as red deer and mountain hares can also be found in the area.

Bellymack Moss offers a tranquil and peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers, who come to appreciate the unique and picturesque scenery. The area is also of scientific interest, as it provides valuable insights into the natural processes of peatland formation and the importance of conservation.

Overall, Bellymack Moss in Kirkcudbrightshire is a captivating and ecologically significant landscape, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Scotland's natural environment.

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Bellymack Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.962027/-4.0381183 or Grid Reference NX6964. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bellymack Fields

A large modern [post-2010] house on the B795 just east of Laurieston.

M J Richardson

Rough ground near Bellymack Fields

Wet and rushy, with a small drain.

M J Richardson

Rough grazing near Bellymack Cottage

With a line of bushes along a drain.

M J Richardson

Kirk Road, Laurieston

A 'no through road' to Dornell Loch. The nearest church is in NX7266.

M J Richardson

Gallery and cafe, Laurieston

Richard Webb

Game Park Plantation

Richard Webb

B795, Bellymack Moss

The wooded hills above Laurieston are in the background after the road crosses farmland and small woods near the outflow of Loch Ken.

Richard Webb

Bellymack Hill entrance

There is a kite feeding station here and it sounded a bit like a sheepdog trial with the kites whistling from the surrounding trees.

Richard Webb

Red kite at feeding station

Taken soon after they opened

David Pashley

Mum and Kid at red kite feeding station

Red kites were once common scavengers around our cities, feeding on scraps and carrion. They were, however, persecuted in the 19C, wrongly thought to take lambs and game. By 1880 only a dozen or so remained in the UK, in valleys in mid-Wales. In 1989 a reintroduction programme was launched and 104 red kites were released in Galloway between 2001 and 2005. They are now well established and have bred since 2003 with increasing success, with 18 young fledging in 2003 to 104 in 2011, and from 4 to 58 nesting pairs over the same period. There are now about 320 in the area. They are encouraged by a feeding station near Laurieston at Bellymack Hill Farm, and large numbers can be seen and heard calling every day as they gather in the trees and wheel about making their whistling calls, waiting for the daily feed at 2pm [road kill and chicken]. For more information see the Galloway Kite Trail and RSPB links – Link