White Loch - Lochinch

Also within

Wigtown County

Condition (NatureScot)

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Glacial

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

White Loch - Lochinch White Loch – Lochinch lies 3km east of Stranraer and is important for large numbers of overwintering wildfowl and as a shallow, base-rich and nutrient-rich (eutrophic) loch formed in glacial gravels. Consequently, it is rich in organic and mineral nutrients that, in turn, support an abundance of plant life. Plants include the uncommon six-stamened waterwort Elatine hexandra which has been recorded from the shoreline. There is also a rich invertebrate fauna of the type found in eutrophic lochs. The site is internationally important for overwintering wildfowl, particularly greylag goose Anser anser, with numbers up to 2% of the Icelandic greylag goose population overwintering in the UK, and for overwintering Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris. The small island in White Loch, Inch Crindil, supports a large breeding colony of greylag goose, but these are not a qualifying feature. Greylag goose Anser anser, non-breeding Greenland white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris), non-breeding Hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), non-breeding

Species mentioned