Caithness Lochs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caithness Lochs |
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Loch Watten, one of the Caithness Lochs
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| Location | Highland, Scotland |
| Area | 13.79 km2 (5.32 sq mi) |
| Established | 1998 (extended 2000) |
| Governing body | Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) |
Caithness Lochs is a protected wetland area in the historic county of Caithness in the far north of Scotland. With a total area of 1,379 hectares, it covers six freshwater lochs and a complex area of fen and swamp, and has been protected as a Ramsar Site since 1998.
The area comprises seven distinct wetlands, each of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest: Broubster Leans, Loch of Mey, Loch Calder, Loch Heilen, Loch of Wester, Loch Scarmclate and Loch Watten. These provide a variety of habitats for waterfowl and wading birds, including internationally important populations of greylag geese, white-fronted geese and whooper swans. It is also important for several species of reed, pondweed and water sedge.
As well as being recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, Caithness Lochs has also has been designated a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation.
