Description of the Reserve
Baron’s
Haugh is an important community nature reserve on the edge of Motherwell (Map
Sheet 64 Grid ref : NS755548). Managed since 1983 by the RSPB (present site
manager – Gerry McCauley) it comprises 107.3 hectares of richly varied
habitats.
Over
25,000 people visit the Reserve each year – birders, dog walkers and
other recreationists. It is nationally important for its numbers of wintering
Whooper swans and breeding Gadwall, is a well know site for passage waders and
hosts an excellent bird spectacle at all times of year. Twelve pairs of
Nuthatch breed in the adjoining Dalzell Woods.
Everyone
is invited to explore the pathways of the Reserve and visit the four hides that
are always open and offer superb viewing of the open water area. In rainy or
windy weather, you will need protective clothing due to the hide wall openings.
Known as “the Lauder Slits”, these were authorised by Alan Lauder,
then Reserves Director, in the face of general local protest, this webmaster
included. Enter the hides carefully as light from behind the hides now exposes
your movements and can disturb wildlife in front. You may meet Mark Mitchell
who is the current Reserve Warden there and his willing band of volunteer
workers, or Paul Glenn, Assistant Reserve Warden. Dogs may be off the lead, but
should be controlled enough not to invade the Haugh water/marsh area.