Wildlife
Wildlife around The Ecology Centre & Kinghorn Loch
Kinghorn Loch and the surrounding area has a good range of habitats for a relatively compact area. The Ecology Centre site of nearly five hectares comprises 11 distinct habitat types, including mixed woodland, semi-improved grassland, marsh, scrub, ponds and organic allotments. Having such varied habitats means that we have high levels of biodiversity on site.
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The BioBlitz we carried out around the Loch in June 2018 produced 430 different species, including 156 plants, 35 birds, 81 butterflies and moths, five damselflies, about 50 flies of various types, seven bees, four millipedes, eight spiders and a handful of other miscellany. A spreadsheet of the BioBlitz results can be supplied on demand to anyone interested. We are continuing to add to the list with ongoing wildlife surveys.
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The developing and mature woodlands provide a niche for shade tolerant plants and fungi growing among the roots and fallen branches. Creatures large and small hide, feed and hunt in the undergrowth and in the trees themselves. Lichens and mosses grow on the living trees. When trees have to be felled or branches lopped, piles of logs are left to slowly rot and provide important habitat, especially for insects.
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Kinghorn Loch is a haven for water-birds and the ponds and marshes on its western bank teem with tiny creatures which feed and shelter among the vegetation. Look out for damselflies skimming above the surface of the ponds during the warmer months.
The meadow grassland is kept long in the summer allowing flowers to bloom and providing a great area for insects and small mammals. Allowing some areas to become overgrown with plants like hogweed, nettles and brambles creates feeding area for thrushes, warblers, finches and sparrows.
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The gardens include many native and other wildlife-friendly plants - look out for bumblebees and butterflies in the warmer months. No pesticides or herbicides are used at The Ecology Centre. Garden pests are discouraged by the use of netting, raised beds and companion plants.
The Bird Hide
Situated on the banks of Kinghorn Loch there is a bird hide which is available for any keen bird watchers to use.
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Unfortunately due to persistent vandalism in the bird hide we have added a combination entry lock to the door.
For details of the code please call the Centre on
01592 891567.
Kinghorn Wildlife Watch
Welcome to Kinghorn Wildlife Watch, an area dedicated to all the wonderful wildlife around Kinghorn Loch and the Kinghorn coast. The Ecology Centre is very fortunate to work with dedicated volunteers who give up their time to support the Centre.
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Dr Robert Mill has recently started volunteering his time every month to record the biodiversity (plants and wildlife) of the Loch, particularly the areas managed by the Centre and will be submitting monthly reports for publishing here! You can find more information about Robert and his extensive background
Kinghorn Monthly Biodiversity Reports
​We hope you enjoy these reports and would love to hear your feedback.
Get Involved
As a charity we rely heavily on our wonderful volunteers. This can range from helping for an hour or so every week on a project, in our Tool Shed workshop or helping to care for our grounds at Kinghorn Loch.
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Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, get out of the house and learn some new skills or just use your spare time and share your experience for the good of the local environment.