Fala Flow facts for kids

Fala Flow is a very special natural area in Midlothian, Scotland. It is a large area of wet, spongy land known as an upland blanket bog. You can find it on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Edinburgh.

This important place covers 318 hectares, which is about the size of 450 football fields. Since 1990, Fala Flow has been recognized internationally as a Ramsar Site.

What is Fala Flow?

Fala Flow is a unique type of bog or mire. It's called a "blanket bog" because it covers the landscape like a blanket. This bog has many small pools of water. What makes it special is that it formed at a lower height than most other blanket bogs in Midlothian.

Home to Pink-footed Geese

Fala Flow is incredibly important for wildlife. It provides a winter home for a huge number of pink-footed geese. These geese travel all the way from Greenland and Iceland. About 3% of their entire population spends the winter here. This makes Fala Flow an internationally important place for these birds.

Why is Fala Flow Protected?

Because Fala Flow is so important for nature, it has several special protections. These protections help keep the area safe for its plants and animals.

Ramsar Site

Since 1990, Fala Flow has been a Ramsar Site. This means it is recognized as a wetland of international importance. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement that helps protect wetlands around the world.

Special Protection Area

Fala Flow is also a Special Protection Area (SPA). SPAs are places chosen to protect rare or vulnerable birds. They also protect birds that regularly migrate, like the pink-footed geese.

Site of Special Scientific Interest

Since 1986, Fala Flow has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). SSSIs are areas in the UK that have special wildlife, geology, or landforms. The SSSI status for Fala Flow was last checked in 2016. These protections ensure that this valuable natural habitat is looked after for the future.