Carcluie Loch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carcluie Loch |
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Carcuie Loch
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| Location | Dalrymple, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Type | Freshwater loch |
| Primary inflows | Carcluie, un-named Burn, rainfall and runoff |
| Primary outflows | Broomberry Burn. |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Surface area | 1.752 acres (0.709 ha) |
| Average depth | Shallow |
| Islands | One, a possible crannog |
| Settlements | Dalrymple |
Carcluie Loch is a small freshwater loch (which is the Scottish word for lake). You can find it in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland. The loch sits in a natural dip in the land. This dip was formed long ago by glaciers.
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About Carcluie Loch
Old maps show us how Carcluie Loch has changed over time. A map from around 1600 showed a place called Kar Cluy near a loch. Later, in 1832, another map clearly showed a small loch at Carcluie.
By the 1870s, maps showed the loch was shaped like an oval. It covered about 1.75 acres. Water flows into Carcluie Loch from the Carcluie Burn and another small stream. The water then flows out of the loch into the Broomberry Burn.
Why the Loch's Water Level Changed
People have worked to drain parts of the loch over many years. This might have started in the early 1700s. At that time, powerful landowners wanted to make their land better for farming. They also wanted to create jobs for local workers. More drainage work may have happened later, especially after big events like World War I. Many soldiers came home then and needed work.
The Mystery of the Island
There used to be a round island in Carcluie Loch. Some people thought it might have been a crannog. A crannog is an ancient artificial island. It was built by people, often for homes or protection.
One person reported seeing old wooden posts around the island. These posts would have supported a crannog. However, when people checked more recently, they couldn't find any clear proof. Today, you can't see the island anymore. The southwest part of the loch is completely covered with tall reeds.
When experts checked the area where the island was, they found the natural ground was very deep. This made it hard to tell if it was a crannog or just a natural island. In 1993, an investigation suggested it was likely a natural island.
Wildlife at the Loch
Carcluie Loch is home to many plants and animals. You can see large areas of tall reeds growing there. The loch is also an important place for birds. It is listed on the Wetlands Birds Survey (WEBS) register. This means it's a key spot for watching wetland birds.
The loch is also a provisional wildlife site for the Scottish Wildlife Trust. This group works to protect Scotland's natural places. The edges of the loch have lots of rushes and willow bushes. There's also a forest of conifer trees nearby.
You might see Common house martins flying over the loch. These birds use the loch and its edges to find food. They stay there until late September.
