Days out
Ken-Dee Marshes
CraigOpenSee opening timesWith stunning views across the River Dee and Loch Ken, this reserve has both wetland and woodland, in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway.
About
Ken-Dee offers a trail to our goose and Kite viewing platform, with two viewing hides to explore, giving excellent opportunities for viewing a variety of wildlife. The viewing platform provides a wonderful panorama over habitat favoured by the Kites, and gives a good view of the loch.
The reserve is an important roost and feeding refuge for a population of rare Greenland White-fronted Geese. Loch Ken remains one of the very few Scottish mainland sites where this shy species regularly winters.
Our wetland habitats see many breeding birds, including Redshanks, Lapwings and ducks, such as the Shoveler. The loch's islands have become home to a large colony of Black-headed Gulls, which make a noisy spectacle in the summer.
The mature stands of broadleaved trees are a haven for Barn Owls, Redstarts, Song Thrushes, Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, and Willow Tits. Elsewhere on the reserve, we have Otters, lots of dragonflies, and plants such as the rare Pillwort.
At a glance
Open at all times.
The car park is situated by the entrance to Mains of Duchrae farm.
No height restrictions.
On crushed stone aggregate.
Can be rutted, not pushchair-friendly.
Car park a fair distance from hides.
No lighting.
Small parking area close to Beeches hide for those with limited mobility.
There are no toilets here. Nearest accessible toilets are at Castle Douglas, 7 miles (10km) away.
There is a charge.
There are no toilets here. Nearest baby changing facilities at Castle Douglas, 7 miles (10km) away.
There is a charge.
Mixture of uneven surfaces including rolled stone, tarmac and grass.
Some gradient.
Mixture of uneven surfaces including rolled stone, tarmac and grass.
Some gradient.
The nature trails may not be suitable for wheelchairs. However, cars can be taken to Beeches (the first) hide, and the hide itself has been adapted for wheelchair users.
There are no toilets here. Nearest public toilets are at Castle Douglas, 7 miles (10km) away.
There is a charge.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
See what’s here
Contact Ken-Dee Marshes
wood.cree@rspb.org.uk Ken-Dee Marshes Reserve, Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 2LY 01988 402130