Loch Eye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch Eye |
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A rowing boat at Loch Eye
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| Location | Highland (council area), Scotland |
| Nearest city | Inverness |
| Area | 2.05 km2 (0.79 sq mi) |
| Established | 1 October 1986 |
| Governing body | Scottish Natural Heritage |
Loch Eye is a beautiful, shallow freshwater loch (a Scottish word for lake). It is found near the east coast of Scotland. This special loch sits between three sea inlets: the Moray Firth, Dornoch Firth, and Cromarty Firth.
Loch Eye covers an area of 205 hectares, which is about 500 acres. That's like 285 football fields! It's a very important place for many types of water birds. Because of this, it has been protected since 1986.
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Why Loch Eye is Special
Loch Eye is protected for several important reasons. It is recognized as a Ramsar Site, a Special Protection Area, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. These titles mean it's a really important place for nature.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland area that is important around the world. It's named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where an international treaty was signed in 1971. This treaty helps protect wetlands because they are vital for wildlife and the environment.
What is a Special Protection Area?
A Special Protection Area (SPA) is a place protected for wild birds. These areas are chosen because they are home to rare or vulnerable birds. They also protect birds that travel long distances, like migrating birds.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area in the UK. These sites are chosen because they have special plants, animals, geology, or landforms. They are important for scientific research and conservation.
Rich Waters and Wildlife
Loch Eye has very rich, nutrient-filled water. This means it has lots of food for plants and animals. It is one of the most important "eutrophic" lochs in northern Scotland. Eutrophic means the water has many nutrients, which can lead to lots of plant growth.
Important Birds of Loch Eye
This loch is a crucial winter home for many water birds. It supports large numbers of birds that fly here for the colder months. Two very important visitors are the whooper swans and Icelandic greylag geese. These birds travel long distances to spend winter safely at Loch Eye.
- Whooper Swans: These large, beautiful white swans have a distinctive yellow and black bill. They fly to Scotland from places like Iceland and Scandinavia for the winter.
- Greylag Geese: These are large, grey-brown geese. The ones at Loch Eye come all the way from Iceland to escape the harsh winter there.
