Loch of Swannay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Loch of Swannay |
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| Swannay loch | |
Swannay Loch looking towards Swannay. Swannay Farm in right far distance
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 Loch of Swannay
Location in Orkney Islands
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| Coordinates | 59°8′3″N 3°12′19″W / 59.13417°N 3.20528°W |
| Type | Freshwater loch |
| Primary outflows | Swannay burn |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Max. length | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Max. width | 0.66 mi (1.06 km) |
| Surface area | 233.4 ha (0.901 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Max. depth | 9.25 ft (2.82 m) |
| Water volume | 51,000,000 cu ft (1,400,000 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 43 m (141 ft) |
| Islands | 3 islets |
The Loch of Swannay is a beautiful freshwater loch located on the mainland of Orkney. It is the most northerly loch on this island. You can find it in the Birsay area, which is in the north-west part of Orkney.
This loch has an oval shape. It is also quite close to two other lochs: Hundland and Boardhouse. The Loch of Swannay is a very important place for wildlife.
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Discovering the Loch of Swannay
The Loch of Swannay is a freshwater loch, meaning its water is not salty like the sea. It's a great spot to explore nature and see different kinds of animals and plants. The loch is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.66 miles (1.1 km) wide.
Wildlife at the Loch
The grassy areas around the loch are a key feeding spot for many birds. In winter, a special group of Greenland white-fronted geese come here. These geese are quite rare, making the loch a very important habitat for them.
Many other types of birds also live and nest around the loch. You might spot graceful mute swans gliding on the water. In the air, you could see skylarks and meadow pipits. Smaller birds like twites and sedge warblers also make their homes here. Of course, various kinds of gulls are often seen around the water too.
Special Plants
The loch's waters are home to a rare plant called the flat-stalked pondweed. This plant is not found in many places, which makes the Loch of Swannay even more special. It shows how healthy the loch's environment is.
Fun Activities
If you enjoy fishing, the Loch of Swannay is a popular place for trout fishing. Many people come here to try and catch trout, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Exploring the Loch's History
People have been interested in the Loch of Swannay for a long time. In 1906, a scientist named James Murray studied the loch. He helped to map it out as part of a big project called the Bathymetrical Survey of Fresh-Water Lochs of Scotland 1897-1909. This survey helped people learn more about the depths and shapes of Scotland's freshwater lochs.
