Loch an Duin facts for kids

Loch an Duin is a very special natural area. It's located near North Uist, an island off the west coast of Scotland. This unique place has a mix of freshwater lakes, salty sea lochs, and tidal channels. It also has many small islands.

This whole area covers about 2,621 hectares. That's like 2,621 football fields! It has been protected since 1990.

Discovering Loch an Duin

Loch an Duin is not just one simple lake. It's a complex system of different water bodies. You can find freshwater lakes, which are not salty. There are also brackish lochs, which are a mix of fresh and salty water. And then there are sea lochs, which are connected to the ocean.

This area also has tidal channels. These are like small rivers where the water flows in and out with the ocean tides. Many islands are scattered throughout this water system.

A Special Wetland

Loch an Duin is recognized as a very important wetland. It's known around the world for its unique nature. This is why it's called a Ramsar Site.

The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement. It helps protect wetlands that are important for nature. Loch an Duin was named a Ramsar Site on August 16, 1985. This means it's considered a wetland of international importance.

The area also includes parts of North Uist's northeast coast. Plus, it has nearby islands and skerries. Skerries are small, rocky islands. These are found in the Sound of Harris, which is a strait of water.

Loch an Duin is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is a special protection given to places in the UK. It means the area has important plants, animals, or geological features.

Amazing Animals

Loch an Duin is home to many interesting animals. It's a very important place for common terns. These are seabirds that nest in colonies. About 1.5% of all common terns that breed in the UK live here. This makes Loch an Duin a vital spot for their survival.

The area also provides a great home for otters. Otters are playful mammals that love to live near water. They hunt for fish and other small animals. The mix of fresh, brackish, and sea lochs gives them plenty of places to live and find food.

The unique water system, with its many islands and channels, creates a perfect habitat. It supports a wide variety of wildlife. This is why protecting Loch an Duin is so important.