Cairngorm Lochs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cairngorm Lochs |
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A view towards the east end of Loch Avon
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| Location | Grampian and Highland, Scotland |
| Area | 1.73 km2 (0.67 sq mi) |
| Established | 1981 |
The Cairngorm Lochs are a special group of five lakes high up in the mountains of Scotland. They are found in the Cairngorms National Park, which is a beautiful and wild area. These lochs are very important because they are home to unique plants and tiny creatures.
Because they are so special, they are protected as a Ramsar Site. This means they are recognized as a wetland of international importance. The total area of these protected lochs is about 173 hectares.
What are the Cairngorm Lochs?
The Cairngorm Lochs are made up of five different lakes. These are Loch Etchachan, Loch Uaine, Loch Coire an Lochain, Loch Avon, and Loch Einich. These lakes are among the highest bodies of water in the whole United Kingdom.
The water in these lochs is incredibly clear. This is because they have very few nutrients in them. Scientists call this "oligotrophic" water. It means the water is pure and doesn't have much for plants to grow in.
Life in the Lochs
Even though the water has few nutrients, these lochs are full of life. They support special groups of tiny living things:
- Zooplankton: These are tiny animals that float in the water. They are often too small to see without a microscope.
- Phytoplankton: These are tiny plants that also float in the water. They are like the grass of the lake, making their own food from sunlight.
The two largest lochs also have special plants growing in them. These include plants like Littorella uniflora, Lobelia dortmanna, and Juncus bulbosus. These plants are adapted to live in the clear, nutrient-poor water.
Why are the Cairngorm Lochs Protected?
The Cairngorm Lochs are protected for several important reasons. They are recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This is an international agreement that helps protect wetlands around the world.
All five lochs are also located inside the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park. This park is a large protected area in Scotland. Being part of the national park adds another layer of protection for these unique and important lakes. This helps make sure they stay healthy for many years to come.
