Forvie National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The massive dunes of the Forvie NNR create a sandy desert stretching along the North Sea coast, 16 miles north of Aberdeen. In some places tough marram grass has tamed the ever-shifting sand, and the dunes have been anchored to create patches of rare dune heathland. The Ythan estuary borders the reserve and is home to the largest colony of breeding black-and-white eider ducks in the UK. During the summer months four species of nesting terns hover, dive and twist in the air, while inquisitive seals can be seen further out in the estuary. The stark beauty of the empty sand dunes is complemented by the call of eider ducks wafting like gentle gossip across the reserve. With the constant shifting of the dunes, layers of history have come and gone, revealing the half-buried remains of a 12th-century church smothered during a massive sand storm in the 15th century.
Location
Kirkton of Logie Buchan
About the area
Visitors to Aberdeenshire with any kind of interest in history are in for a treat. There are more castles to the acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Britain.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Udny Arms Hotel
The Udny Arms Hotel in Newburgh is an historic family-owned building that dates back to around 1865 and is one of the centrepieces of the village. Recently fully refurbished to a high s...
The Cock and Bull
Owned by the same family since 1996, when it was purchased as a traditional watering hole and converted into a cosy, intimate inn, guests will find everything here is made on the premis...
Buchan Braes Hotel
The Buchan Braes is a contemporary hotel located in Boddam that is an excellent base for exploring the attractions of this wonderful part of Scotland. There is an open-plan lounge for d...
The Newmachar
The Newmachar is ideally located in the quiet village of Newmachar, just 5 minutes off the new bypass and with easy access to both Aberdeen city centre and the airport. Modern well-appo...
Aden Caravan and Camping
Situated adjacent to the 230-acre Aden Country Park, Aden Caravan and Camping is a small, tranquil site offering excellent facilities. It is ideally located for visiting the many touris...
Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is in the town centre just a short walk from the harbour. It is popular with business guests and for social events. Bedrooms come in two styles, with the executive room...
Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course
Set in 350 acres of wooded parkland, this imposing baronial country mansion has a golf course as its centrepiece. Tastefully restored to highlight its original character, it provides a ...
Malmaison Aberdeen
Built from the solid granite that gives the city its moniker, the Aberdeen Mal is suitably dashing, with boutique allure and a cool industrial-chic finish. The Malmaison Bar and Grill i...
