Duns Castle nature reserve

Duns Castle nature reserve lies close to the small town of Duns in the Scottish Borders, once part of Berwickshire. Two man-made lakes, Hen Poo and Mill Dam, form the heart of the reserve. Surrounding the water are large areas of woodland that stretch across the gently rolling landscape. The reserve sits near several villages including Abbey St Bathans, Chirnside and Fogo. Abbey St Bathans sits two miles to the south-west while Chirnside lies four miles to the north-east. Fogo is just three miles to the south-east of the reserve’s entrance. The reserve is recognised for its rich wetland habitats and varied birdlife. Hen Poo and Mill Dam attract waterfowl throughout the year, with sightings of teal, wigeon and goldeneye ducks. Grey herons stand motionless along the water’s edge while kingfishers flash past in flashes of blue. The woodland areas provide shelter for woodland birds such as treecreepers and goldcrests. The reserve’s mix of wetland and woodland creates ideal conditions for many species. Visitors follow well-marked paths that wind beside the lakes and through the woods. The Hen Poo boardwalk offers views across the water where moorhens and coots feed among the reeds. Mill Dam has open banks where sandpipers probe the mud during migration seasons. In spring bluebells carpet the woodland floor beneath oak and birch trees. The reserve’s quiet atmosphere makes it a good place for birdwatching and gentle walking.