5 Fish conservation 3 green sponge 11 Point of view Explore the biosphere The loch is teeming with fish. Studies have shown that Arctic Over thousands of years the River Doon has cut the narrow Discover the head waters of the River Stinchar and Water Charr, a genetically unique fish living in Loch Doon, may be wooded gorge of Ness Glen where trees and rocks drip with of Girvan by exploring the Cornish Hill footpath. Although a threatened by the water becoming more acidic probably as a living green carpet of mosses, liverworts and ferns giving it strenuous walk to the top of Cornish Hill 1,532 ft (467 m) it is Loch Doon and Carrick Forest Drive a consequence of a combined increase of air pollution and a magical feeling. Take a walk through the glen to see these worth the effort to get a taste of the wilderness of the Galloway commercial forestry. In the early 1990s some fish were flowerless plants, some of which are rarely found elsewhere. Hills. From the top you will get magnificent views of the Ayrshire moved from Loch Doon to reservoirs in the Scottish Borders They thrive in this Native Wet and Oak Woods, a Biosphere High coast and the rolling hills of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, Shalloch to establish a genetic refuge and a survey carried out in 2010 Focus habitat, present because of our special damp climate. on Minnoch and the mighty Merrick. found that the fish populations have established at these sites. In addition to providing a home for woodland creatures these 1 Further research into the success of the relocated Arctic Charr soft green cushions act like a giant sponge that slows the flow INTO THE DARK will help establish whether lochs in the Biosphere may also be of rain into rivers and help protect us against flash floods. able to provide a refuge for this special Loch Doon fish. From the road the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory can be seen perched on a hillside at the edge of the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. It is a business based in Craigengillan Estate that makes the most of the natural asset offered by the dark sky. It is so dark here that it has been awarded Gold-tier status by the International Dark Sky Association. Dark skies, unaffected by artificial light, provide some of the best opportunities to see the sky at night. The observatory must be pre-booked but is available to groups, clubs, schools and universities, with the aim of inspiring people with the beauty and wonder of the universe. experience a taste of wilderness 4 Osprey attraction

The tiny Roundhouse Café is a business that serves refreshments to the visitors who come to experience the wild upland beauty of the Galloway Hills. [email protected] The return of Osprey every 6 summer to nest at Loch 2 gsabiosphere.org.uk Moving castle Doon has added an extra Force for Good dimension to what the café Registered Charity number SCO44137 Built in the 13th century on an island on Loch Doon the can offer. Now you can The Galloway hydro-electric scheme generates ‘green’ energy eleven sided castle was protected by the surrounding water. sip coffee on the viewing by harnessing the kinetic force of fast moving water. It was Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership The ancient seat of the Lords of Carrick has had a turbulent platform where binoculars built in the 1930s and has six power stations and eight dams history and despite the defensive location on the loch the are provided to view this connected by rivers and a network of aqueducts and tunnels. Kirroughtree Courtyard, Stronord, Newton Stewart DG8 7BE castle was seized and recaptured several times, set on fire magnificent bird of prey Loch Doon is at the head of the hydro-electric scheme and and eventually abandoned in the 17th century. that catches fish in nearby water is diverted through a tunnel to Drumjohn Power Station lochs and rivers. Or you and the River Dee. Although the Loch is dammed a constant Following the plans to raise the water level as part of can get to see the Osprey flow of water is allowed into the River Doon to maintain its the hydro-electric scheme the castle was moved stone nest close up with live natural functions. The hydro-electric scheme cost about by stone and rebuilt on the banks of the loch before CCTV action shown on a £3 million to build but has proved to be a good investment Castle Island was submerged. screen inside the café. providing electricity to the grid for over 80 years. Explore Loch Doon 7 Return journey 9 Look for signs Dalmellington The Carrick Lane, a shallow upland burn that feeds Loch Doon Water voles are a Biosphere B741 used by migrating fish such as Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout, High Focus Species because and Carrick Forest Drive a Biosphere High Focus Species, to spawn. In 1935, when they indicate good quality Straiton the dam was constructed to create a storage reservoir for the water habitats, however they Galloway hydro-electric scheme, an ingenious circular fish are under threat from the to discover the Biosphere ladder was built with float controlled sluice gates to enable fish introduced American mink. to continue their journey upriver at any time regardless of the They are very secretive so ST Rt water level in the loch. Ayrshire Rivers Trust carry out research, to help understand more Water is essential to life for all of us. Rain captured provide advice and undertake practical work to protect and about where they live in the enhance the fresh water rivers. Biosphere a volunteer-based by the Galloway Hills gives us much more than A713 Observatory 1 survey is being undertaken to drinking water. It creates habitats supporting establish where they live and precious wildlife and provides resources for energy Roundhouse Café 3 2 help inform future projects to production, agriculture, education and recreation. 4 manage suitable habitats.

The rivers radiating out from the Galloway Hills Tracks and signs have been found on the many burns you cross define the area of the UNESCO Biosphere as well over on this route so please let us know if you think you see a as connecting the uplands with the sea they link water vole or burrows in the banks. people with nature. But the Biosphere is as much Loch Doon about a way of living as a place visit so this guide Loch Finlas helps you explore the Carrick Forest Drive where 5 you can discover nature and landscapes as well as the big Biosphere ideas of conservation, learning Loch Braden and development that inspire a positive future. Finish 8 Song and dance Loch Doon Castle 10 6 A Black grouse viewing platform provides views across the 9 7 Biosphere route open moorland. Black grouse is a Biosphere High Focus species Where to go . . . 8 that prefer a mixture of upland habitats that combine scattered Cornish Hill footpath 11 trees, scrub, heath and peatland. In the spring the males put on The Carrick forest drive is a two-way Contains OS data © Crown copyright a display in order to attract a mate but you will have to be up Loch Riecawr and database right (2016) 10 route about 11 miles ( 18 km ) long linking around dawn to catch a performance at the viewing platform. Get connected Loch Doon with Stinchar Bridge. 0 1 2 3 4 km At this location is purple From Stinchar Bridge Car Park a path takes you across a The forest drive is suitable for most vehicles and moor grass and rush wooden bridge over the water falls towards Cornish Hill. is open from May to October. Walkers, cyclists and pasture, a Biosphere If you follow the path through the conifer plantations for High Focus habitat, which horse-riders are welcome year-round, however about ½ a mile until you cross another bridge you will Find Loch Doon by taking a sign posted minor Find Stinchar Bridge entrance by turning at the provides grasses that are find two Rosnes Benches. this is a working forest and when felling is the favourite food for the underway there may be restrictions to public road from the A713 south of Dalmellington. signs to Carrick Forest about 7 miles ( 11 km ) larvae of the Scotch argus These low seats, inspired by ancient rock carvings, are access. There is a small charge for vehicles ( NS49370 04033 ) south of Straiton. ( NX39642 95627 ) butterfly, found in upland designed to help you take a fresh look at your surroundings to use the forest drive, so make sure you habitats. Look out for the from a different level. Lie down on the bench and connect Facilities are available in the settlements of Straiton chocolate brown butterfly have some change with you. with your surroundings by experiencing the sights, sounds and Dalmellington at either end of this route. with orange spots. and smells of the forest.