Grey Mare's Tail, Moffat Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grey Mare's Tail |
|
|---|---|
Grey Mare's Tail beneath Loch Skeen
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 185: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Near Moffat, southern Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°25′3″N 3°17′15″W / 55.41750°N 3.28750°W |
| Total height | 60-metre (200 ft) |
| Watercourse | Tail Burn |
Grey Mare's Tail is an amazing waterfall in southern Scotland, close to the town of Moffat. It's about 60-metre (200 ft) (that's around 200 feet!) tall. This impressive waterfall is part of a "hanging valley." Imagine a smaller valley that hangs high above a bigger, deeper valley. That's what a hanging valley is!
The water for the waterfall comes from a stream called Tail Burn. This stream flows out of a beautiful lake called Loch Skeen. The water then tumbles down into the Moffat Water, which is in the valley below. It's a truly spectacular sight!
Contents
Discovering Grey Mare's Tail
The area around the waterfall is known as the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve. This special place is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. It's a popular spot for people who love to explore nature.
Exploring the Nature Reserve
The Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is found in the Moffat Water Valley. This valley is right in the middle of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. The reserve covers a huge area, about 922 hectares. That's like more than 2,200 football fields!
The reserve is famous for its dramatic waterfall, which is actually the fifth highest in the UK. It also features the beautiful upland lake, Loch Skeen. Another important landmark is White Coomb, a hill that rises to 821 meters (about 2,694 feet). It's one of the tallest hills in Southern Scotland.
A Landscape Shaped by Ice
The landscape you see here was shaped by glaciers a very long time ago. This means it's a "post-glacial" area. It has open spaces with heather and rough grassy areas. There are eight different types of habitats here that are important for nature across Europe. Many plant species found here are also very special, some even rare worldwide.
The reserve is known for having many different kinds of plants. It has the richest collection of rare upland plants in Southern Scotland.
A Special Place for Nature
Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is recognized as a "Special Area of Conservation." This means it's a very important place for wildlife and plants. Many people visit the reserve. It's popular with hill walkers who love to hike. Botanists, who study plants, also come here to see the rare species. And wildlife enthusiasts enjoy spotting the animals that live here.
A Glimpse into History
This area also has a rich history. People lived here a very long time ago, during the Iron Age. There is evidence of their settlements. Later, in the 17th century, a group called the Covenanters found safety and shelter in this remote valley.
Wildlife at Grey Mare's Tail
The Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is home to many interesting animals and plants. Keep an eye out for these amazing creatures and plants when you visit!
Animals You Might See
- Peregrine Falcon: These are very fast birds of prey.
- Ring Ouzel: A type of thrush, often found in upland areas.
- Raven: Large, intelligent black birds.
- Vendace: A rare type of fish found in Loch Skeen.
- Wild Goats: You might spot these hardy animals on the hillsides.
Rare Plants to Discover
The reserve is a treasure trove for plant lovers. Some of the rare plants found here include:
- Oblong Woodsia: A very rare type of fern.
- Montane Willows: Small willow trees that grow in mountainous areas.
- Alpine Saw-wort: A unique flowering plant found in high places.
