Moray and Nairn Coast

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Moray and Nairn Coast
Location Grampian and Highland, Scotland
Nearest cityElgin
Coordinates 57°38′54″N3°43′48″W / 57.648333°N 3.73°W / 57.648333; -3.73 Coordinates: 57°38′54″N3°43′48″W / 57.648333°N 3.73°W / 57.648333; -3.73
Area24.12 km2 (9.31 sq mi) [1]
Established2 February 1997
Governing body Joint Nature Conservation Committee

The Moray and Nairn Coast is a protected wetland site on the southern shore of the Moray Firth, in the west of Scotland. A total of 2,412 hectares comprises two areas: intertidal flats, saltmarsh and sand dunes at Findhorn Bay and Culbin Bar, and alluvial deposits and woodland of the lower River Spey and Spey Bay. It has been protected as a Ramsar Site since 1997. [1]

The area supports a large number of over-wintering waders and waterbirds, including internationally important populations of greylag geese and long-tailed ducks. [2] Other important birdlife includes ospreys, bar-tailed godwits, pink-footed geese and common redshanks. [3]

As well as the Moray and Nairn Coast being recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, [1] it has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation. [3]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Moray and Nairn Coast". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  2. "UK Moray and Nairn Coast 13048 RIS 2006" (PDF). Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  3. 1 2 "Moray and Nairn Coast". Joint Nature Conservation Committee . Retrieved 21 June 2019.