Culbin Sands

Shaped by the tide and wind Culbin Sands is an ever changing dynamic system. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar site and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the unique geomorphology of Culbin Sands is internationally important.

Once part of one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain, the remaining sand dunes along with the saltmarsh, mudflats and shingle make up a complex and dynamic system shifting with the wind and tides. Nairn Bar, part of the Culbin Bar SAC, is one of the finest examples of a storm shingle ridge in Europe can be seen from the sandy East Beach part of the reserve.

Longshore drift and shingle thrown up by big storms in the Moray Firth build the sand and shingle bars whilst fragile saltmarsh is protected in the shelter on the landward side of the bars, creating a delicate mosaic of vegetation which can be easily damaged by the trampling of feet, hooves, bikes and illegal vehicle access.

Second World War Anti-Glider Poles

On first glance the Second World War glider poles look like an old forest plantation or telegraph poles sticking up from the saltmarsh and dunes. The poles were installed from 1940 in response to the perceived threat of enemy glider planes landing on the long sandy beach. Stretching along 9km of coast, the anti-glider poles are one of only 13 surviving anti-landing obstacles in the UK and the largest Scheduled Monument on an RSPB reserve.

Our volunteers are completing a baseline condition assessment of the anti-glider poles to assist Historic Scotland with care and monitoring of the SM.

Protecting Culbin Sands' habitats

The dynamic and constant shifting of the dunes and the open nature of the habitat is what makes Culbin Sands a unique place. Sunny areas and moving dunes create open habitats that support rare species including dingy skipper, small blue butterfly and a variety of specialist dune plants and fungi. To protect these open habitats woody scrub and trees are removed from the dunes and shingle bars which would otherwise prevent the movement of the dunes and shade out the sunny open habitats which many of the specialist plants and invertebrates rely on.

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

RSPB Culbin Sands reserve is part of a suite of reserves run by the Central Highland Reserves team, which also includes Loch Ruthven, Nigg Bay and Udale Bay on the Moray Firth