Trottick Mill Ponds facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Trottick Mill Ponds and Nature Reserve
Trottick Mill Ponds in March 2021
Location	Dundee, Scotland
Designation	Local nature reserve
Established	1800s
Owner	Dundee City Council
Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve

Trottick Mill Ponds and Nature Reserve is a special natural area in the Trottick part of Dundee, Scotland. It's like a protected park where nature can thrive. This reserve is connected to the Dighty Burn, which is a local stream.

Many people help look after this place. Countryside Rangers, who are volunteers, work with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to keep it nice. The land itself is owned by Dundee City Council, which is the local government for Dundee.

What is the History of Trottick Mill Ponds?

Trottick Mill Ponds were first made a long time ago, in the 1800s. They weren't built for nature at first! Their main job was to provide water for a factory nearby called Claverhouse Bleachworks. This factory was important for cleaning and drying linen, which was a big industry in Dundee in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

To control the water, special gates called sluice gates were put in place. A water wheel also helped push water from the Dighty Burn into the ponds. This system made sure the factory had enough water for its work.

Today, Trottick Mill Ponds is a popular spot for people living in Dundee and visitors. It's also used as a place for learning about nature. Schools often visit to teach students about local wildlife and the environment.

How is Trottick Ponds Used Today?

Trottick Ponds is part of a cycling path in Dundee called the Green Circular route. This path got a big update in 2016, making it even better for cyclists. Because it's part of this route, Herald Scotland even named it one of the top ten cycle routes in Scotland in 2020!

The ponds are also a stop on the Claverhouse Equestrian route, which is a path for horse riding. So, whether you like cycling, horse riding, or just enjoying nature, Trottick Ponds has something for you.

What Wildlife Can You See at Trottick Mill Ponds?

Trottick Mill Ponds is home to many different kinds of animals. It's a great place to spot wildlife!

• Birds: You can often see two mute swans living here. There are also many other birds and ducks, including great tits, blue tits, European robins, and seagulls.
• Amphibians: Look closely and you might spot various frogs and toads living near the water.
• Mammals: If you are very quiet and lucky, you might even see Roe deer on the northern side of the reserve.

How is Trottick Mill Ponds Maintained?

Keeping Trottick Mill Ponds healthy and beautiful is a team effort. The main people who look after it are the Countryside Rangers. These dedicated volunteers work hard to make sure the reserve stays a great place for both wildlife and people.

The old sluice gates that were built for the factory are still used today. They help control the water flow, which is important for keeping the water in the ponds fresh and circulating. This helps all the plants and animals that live there.

Images for kids

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  Swans at Trottick Ponds

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