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Forvie National Nature Reserve

The dunes of Forvie stretch along the North Sea coast. Lapping against the sand, the Ythan estuary runs along the edge of the reserve and is home to the largest colony of breeding eider ducks in the UK. Bird life is plentiful with the summer acrobatics of diving terns or the determined stabbing of the carrot-coloured beaks of wading oystercatchers, while inquisitive seals can be seen further out in the water. A new hide was opened in 2011; The hide overlooks the Ythan estuary at Waulkmill, a vast area of mudflats, reed beds and nearby fields.

Wildlife highlights: The reserve is home to the largest colony of breeding eider ducks in the UK. Bird life is plentiful with the summer acrobatics of diving terns or the determined stabbing of the carrot-coloured beaks of wading oystercatchers, while inquisitive seals can be seen further out in the water.

Recent counts have found over 22,000 pink-footed geese use the estuary and nearby fields. Visitors also often see large numbers of other birds like lapwing, golden plover and redshank.

Location: Forvie NNR is 12miles north of Aberdeen, through Newburgh off the A975. By bus: Aberdeen-Peterhead (via Cruden Bay) buses stop by request at Collieston crossroads, then walk to visitor centre (20 mins) or from Newburgh to the estuary (15 mins)

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