Loch of Hundland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch of Hundland |
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| Hundland loch | |
Loch of Hundland looking south west over pasture towards the loch. The water in the distance is the Loch of Boardhouse.
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 Loch of Hundland
Location in Orkney Islands
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| Coordinates | 59°6′58″N 3°14′3″W / 59.11611°N 3.23417°W |
| Type | Freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | Burn of Kirbuster |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 1.3 mi (2.1 km) |
| Max. width | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) |
| Surface area | 100.8 ha (0.389 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 4 ft (1.2 m) |
| Max. depth | 7 ft (2.1 m) |
| Water volume | 51,000,000 cu ft (1,400,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 25 m (82 ft) |
| Islands | 6 islets |
The Loch of Hundland is a lovely freshwater loch (that's a Scottish word for a lake!) found in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. It's located in the north-west part of the main island, called Mainland. This loch is quite shallow and sits between two bigger lochs, Swannay and Boardhouse.
Loch of Hundland is very important for the area. It collects water that then flows into Loch of Boardhouse. The loch is also home to many different kinds of water plants, some of which are rare. Lots of birds, like ducks and gulls, visit or nest here. It's also a popular spot for fishing, especially for trout!
Contents
Discover Loch of Hundland
Loch of Hundland is a natural freshwater lake. It's not very deep, which means the water is often warmer than deeper lakes. This makes it a great home for many plants and animals.
How Big is the Loch?
The Loch of Hundland is about 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometers) long. It is also about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) wide. The total area it covers is around 100.8 hectares (0.39 square miles).
The loch is quite shallow. Its average depth is about 4 feet (1.2 meters). The deepest part of the loch is around 7 feet (2.1 meters). There are also six small islands, called islets, in the loch.
Plants and Animals of the Loch
Loch of Hundland is a special place for nature. It has a wide variety of aquatic plants. Some of these plants are not commonly found in other places. They provide food and shelter for many creatures.
Birds Around the Loch
Many different types of birds love to visit the Loch of Hundland. You can often see waders, which are birds with long legs that walk in shallow water. Gulls are also common, flying overhead or resting on the water.
Other birds like larks and various kinds of ducks also use the loch. Some birds even build their nests here. This makes the loch a great spot for birdwatching!
Fish in the Water
The loch is well-known for its fish. It is a popular place for people who enjoy fishing. Many anglers come here to catch trout. Fishing is a fun way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the loch.
Exploring the Loch's History
People have been interested in the Loch of Hundland for a long time. In 1906, a person named James Murray studied the loch. He measured its depths and mapped it out.
This survey was part of a bigger project. It was called the Bathymetrical Survey of Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland 1897-1909. This project helped people learn more about Scotland's many lakes.
Weather Around the Loch
The weather around the Loch of Hundland is typical for the Orkney Islands. It generally has mild temperatures throughout the year. Summers are cool, and winters are not extremely cold.
The area receives a fair amount of rain. It can also be quite windy, as is common in island locations. Despite this, the loch remains a beautiful place to visit and enjoy nature.
