Days out
Baron's Haugh
MotherwellOpenSee opening timesPull on your wellies and enjoy a romp through the Tawny Owl woods and explore the rich wetland habitat of Baron's Haugh.
-at-Baron's-Haugh-RSPB-reserve-near-Motherwell-Scotland.jpg){kind=small}
About
Baron's Haugh is a thriving community nature reserve in Motherwell and is a real gem for wildlife. Spend time in one of our wetland hides spotting ducks and swans, or wander through the woods looking for woodpeckers and Nuthatches. If you’re lucky you may even see a Kingfisher or an Otter on the river.
The reserve's different wetland habitats offer homes for an abundance of birds, amphibians and insects. We encourage the water level to fluctuate to create a dynamic, semi-natural environment.
Grazing the grasslands creates a varied vegetation habitat to enhance biodiversity. Cattle munch the grass and create tussocks and divets: all important elements for a range of species. Baron's Haugh also has extensive woodland, where you can hear Tawny Owls hoot and spy Nuthatches feeding upside down.
At a glance
40 spaces.
Firm, level ground.
No height restrictions.
No lighting.
There are no toilets here.
The nearest accessible public toilets are in Motherwell around a mile away.
There are no toilets here.
The nearest public toilets are in Motherwell around a mile away.
Most paths are wide and surfaced. Longer circuit has some steeper slopes, soft surfaces and gates.
Some seating along the Clyde walkway as well as seating in the hides.
Most paths are wide and surfaced. Longer circuit has some steeper slopes, soft surfaces and gates.
Some seating along the Clyde walkway as well as seating in the hides.
There are no toilets here.
The nearest public toilets are in Motherwell around a mile away.
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.
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) and in areas with livestock we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.
To safeguard the natural heritage of the area we request that dogs are not permitted to enter the wetlands or pools.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Enjoy a few winter moments
Hides are a great way to get close to nature at any time. But in winter they can also offer welcome shelter. In this video Stephen Magee from RSPB Scotland's communications team explains why you might want to visit a hide yourself.
This is a great location to spot Kingfishers
The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.
Contact Baron's Haugh
baronshaugh@rspb.org.uk Baron's Haugh, Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, ML1 2PZ 0141 331 0993