Slamannan Plateau

Also within

Dunbartonshire CountyLanarkshire CountyStirling and Falkirk County

Condition (NatureScot)

Birds & fish recorded

Birds

Description

Slamannan Plateau The Slamannan Plateau lies approximately 5km southwest of Falkirk and 4km east of Cumbernauld at around 170m above sea level. The area is a mosaic of improved grasslands and rough pasture which includes wetlands dominated by Juncus species (rushes), raised, blanket and intermediate bogs and two shallow lochs within Fannyside Muir. The area attracts a nationally important population of taiga bean geese Anser fabalis fabalis. The Slamannan Plateau has become the primary site for wintering taiga bean geese in the UK with over 50% of the total population in recent years. The majority of the rest of the UK population winters in Norfolk with occasional small flocks elsewhere. The geese feed, mostly by day, on agricultural fields mainly eating grasses. In the early evening they fly to their roost sites, or if the weather is bad they can roost within their preferred feeding fields. The birds visit the area between October and end of February each year. Pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus and greylag goose Anser anser also winter on the plateau. However, these species are not notified interests of the SSSI. Taiga bean goose Anser fabalis fabalis, non-breeding.

Species mentioned