Places to Visit for Wildlife and Landscape - Caithness

The Caithness Biodiversity Collection
Iain Sarjeant

Name: Dunnet Bay

Habitat type: Coast

What can I see there?

A dune ridge covered by marram grass fringes the wide sandy beach of Dunnet Bay. There are boardwalks leading to the beach but, because the dunes are subject to erosion, some sections are fenced to encourage the marram to recolonise. Behind the dunes, Dunnet Forest has sheltered walks and in clearings it is possible to see many of the plants which grow on sandy links, including the Scottish primrose, mountain-everlasting and Baltic rush. In winter the foreshore of Dunnet Bay is an excellent spot for watching waders and divers. During the summer season skuas, which ‘pirate’ fish caught by other seabirds, can often be seen chasing terns and kittiwakes to make them disgorge their food. The Ranger Service for the area is based at the north end of the beach and has a visitor centre and display which is open all year round.

When's the best time to visit?

How do I get there?

Facilities

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