SWT Reserves in the Borders

Bemersyde Moss

Formerly a major site for black-headed gulls (numbers much-reduced in recent years). Woodland-fringed site comprising shallow open water, marsh vegetation, and grassland. Large numbers of greylag geese and wigeon are a common sight in winter.

Location: Accessible from minor road (signed for Brotherstone) from Clintmains village (2 miles east of St Boswells off B6404).

Grid reference: NT612330. (OS Landranger map 74)

Facilities: Hide provided (wheelchair-accessible). Views obscured at present due to overgrown vegetation (see News section of this site), but better views can be obtained from elsewhere within (& around) the reserve in any case.

Information leaflet available.

Duns Castle Reserve

Extensive woodland reserve in the grounds of Duns Castle, rich in wild flowers, ferns, woodland birds, and insects; two lochans (one of which is artificial) support large numbers of amphibians, as well as swans and other waterfowl. Squirrels and deer are also present; otters are also occasionally seen.

The site of the old town of Duns (marked by an inscribed stone) is also within the grounds, and it is well worth continuing the walk from here to the top of Duns Law.

There is no public access to the Castle.

Location: On the north side of Duns; public access available from Castle Street (off A6112) or from the car park on the B6365 at the north end of the reserve.

Grid Reference: NT 778570. (OS Landranger maps 67, 74)

Facilities: Network of clearly-marked footpaths. Information leaflet available.

Gordon Moss

This reserve consists of the remnants of a formerly much larger mire, as well as a section of embankment of the long-closed Berwickshire railway; in addition to its birdlife, Gordon Moss is home to a large variety of plants and insects, including orchids, ferns, several types of wort, and numerous moth and butterfly species, some of them very rare. The woods are predominantly birch and willow.

The reserve is in multiple ownership and only partly owned by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Strong footwear is highly recommended.

Location: ½ mile west of Gordon village, on A6105. Parking very limited.

Grid Reference: NT635425. (OS Landranger map 74)

Facilities: None. Footpath provided on part of reserve.

Hare and Dunhog Moss

Small lochan with extensive reedbeds, bordered by A7 road and farmland. Site recently improved by tree-felling and hedgerow planting. Home to waterfowl, several rare invertebrates, and plants. No public access to Dunhog Moss part of reserve at present without prior arrangement.

Location: Adjacent to A7 between Ashkirk & Selkirk. Parking is available in a disused part of road nearby.

Grid Reference: NT468247. (OS Landranger map 73)

Facilities: Hide provided.

Hoselaw Loch & Din Moss

22-hectare site comprising loch and raised peat bog; nationally - important wildfowl site frequented by various species of duck. Also wooded area providing cover for roe deer and woodland birds.

Location: 5 miles south-east of Kelso, on side road (signed for Hoselaw) off B6352.

Grid Reference: NT807318. (OS Landranger map 74)

Facilities: None at time of writing.

Pease Dean

Bisected by the East Coast Main Line, this reserve is the main surviving part of the once-extensive Penmanshiel Woods. Home to woodland invertebrates and a wide range of plant species, including dogs mercury. Birdlife to be seen includes woodpeckers, treecreepers, blackcaps, and numerous species of tits.

Location: South-east of Cockburnspath, off minor road linking A1107 (Berwickshire Coastal Route) and A1 (Cove turn-off). Parking available by Pease Bay Caravan Park.

Grid Reference: NT 790704. (OS Landranger map 67)

Facilities: Extensive footpath network, plus several information boards. Information leaflet available.

Whitlaw Wood

Sited on steep ground in the valley of the Slitrig Water, Whitlaw Wood is home to a wide and diverse variety of tree and shrub species, including ash, rowan, sycamore (some recently felled), and hazel, among many others. Flora includes wood anemone, birdsnest orchid, and wood sage. In addition to the wide range of birds, look out for squirrels and roe deer.

 Wood Anemone

Location: Approximately 1½ km south-east of Hawick. Parking available adjacent to the north corner of Hawick Golf Course.

Grid Reference: NT 500132. (OS Landranger map 79)

Facilities: None at time of writing. Information leaflet available.

Yetholm Loch

Situated close to the Hoselaw Loch / Din Moss reserve, this small freshwater loch, with marshland at the inflow end, is home to such species as swans, pochard, teal, and large numbers of wintering wildfowl and geese. The site supports a wide range of vegetation, and is a good spot in which to observe otters.

Location: 6 miles south-east of Kelso off the B6352, on a minor road leading to Lochside. Parking available.

Grid Reference: NT 803280. (OS Landranger map 74)

Facilities: The site can be viewed from a hide on the loch’s north-west side.