Bavelaw Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Midlothian

Scotland

Bavelaw Marsh

The Pond at Red Moss Nature Reserve The Red Moss of Balerno is an SSSI, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is an excellent example of a raised bog, and can be visited along a boardwalk. — The Pond at Red Moss Nature Reserve Credit: Oliver Dixon

Bavelaw Marsh is a coastal marsh located in Midlothian, Scotland. It is situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, approximately 12 kilometers west of Edinburgh. The marsh is part of a larger protected area known as the Bavelaw Marshes and Pentland Hills Regional Park, which covers a total area of around 10,000 hectares.

The marsh is characterized by its unique coastal ecosystem, consisting of a mix of marshland, mudflats, and saltmarshes. It is influenced by the nearby tidal movements of the Firth of Forth, resulting in a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The marsh is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, insects, and plants.

The saltmarshes found in Bavelaw Marsh are particularly important, as they provide a habitat for many species of salt-tolerant plants. These plants, such as sea lavender and saltmarsh grass, help stabilize the marshland and provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.

The marsh is also a popular site for birdwatching, attracting both local bird enthusiasts and tourists. Species commonly spotted in the area include wading birds like curlews and redshanks, as well as ducks, geese, and swans. Additionally, the marsh serves as an important stopover point for migratory birds during their journeys.

Bavelaw Marsh is managed by the local authorities and conservation organizations to ensure its preservation and protection. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty and biodiversity of a coastal marsh environment, while also contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Bavelaw Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.856494/-3.3415412 or Grid Reference NT1663. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Pond at Red Moss Nature Reserve

The Red Moss of Balerno is an SSSI, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is an excellent example of a raised bog, and can be visited along a boardwalk.

Oliver Dixon

The boardwalk at Red Moss Nature Reserve

The Red Moss of Balerno is an SSSI, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is an excellent example of a raised bog, and can be visited along a boardwalk. Black Hill NT1863 in the Pentlands dominates the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Boats at Threipmuir Reservoir

Boats on the shore of Threipmuir Reservoir below the fishing hut. The level of water in the Reservoir is very low. Easter Bavelaw Farm can be seen on the far side of the Reservoir. Hare Hill NT1761 lies beyond the Farm, with East Kip NT1860 and West Kip NT1760 on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Spillway at Threipmuir Reservoir

The spillway carries surplus water from Threipmuir Reservoir down into Harlaw Reservoir, as part of a system to control flows in the Water of Leith. The level of water in the reservoir at the time of the photograph was a long way below that required to bring the spillway into operation. Black Hill NT1863 beyond.

Oliver Dixon

The Red Road

Crossing the west flank of Hare Hill. Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth just visible in the distance.

Gordon Brown

The Red Road

The trees of Bavelaw in the distance.

Gordon Brown

Bavelaw Marsh from above Redford Bridge

Gordon Brown

Path through Redford Wood

Gordon Brown

Shed by Threipmuir Reservoir

Threipmuir Reservoir was completed in 1848 as a water supply for Edinburgh. Nowadays Threipmuir, along with the smaller Harlaw reservoir, provides essential upstream flood storage to prevent flooding of the Water of Leith, but is no longer used for water supply.

Gordon Brown

Spillway and bridge between Threipmuir and Harlaw Reservoirs

These two reservoirs were completed in the mid-19th century as a water supply for Edinburgh. Nowadays they provides essential upstream flood storage to prevent flooding of the Water of Leith, but are no longer used for water supply.

Gordon Brown

Horseshoe Weir and Fish Pass, Threipmuir Reservoir

Built as part of the Water of Leith Flood Prevention project.

Graeme Yuill

Fields Above Threipmuir Reservoir

Grassy fields and reservoir at the foot of the Pentland Hills.

Colin Smith

Exponential Hill

The driveway to Bavelaw Castle has a certain reputation. Gentle to start with, but getting steeper and steeper as you progress up the dead straight beech lined road. Plenty of rewards when you get to the top. I was walking today, and so were they by the top of the hill.

Richard Webb

Pentland Push Hub

Big sponsored walk for St Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh, it was held the previous day. This is the event HQ behind Bavelaw Castle, it was being dismantled.

Richard Webb

Green Cleugh

One of the glacial meltwater channels which are a major feature of the Pentland Hills. The channel provides an obvious pass route which is very popular.

Richard Webb