RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

RSPB Lochwinnoch is the best place in the west of Scotland for family fun, wild days out and discovering nature with an excellent RSPB shop, nature centre and visitor trails.

About RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve was established in 1973. The iconic visitor centre open in 1975 and the same structure still exists today, but the visitor experience is very different from when the reserve first opened.

The current visitor centre provides an opportunity to find out more about and get close to nature, with the help of our team of friendly staff and volunteers. We run a wide range of activities, suitable for the whole family from pond dipping to guided walks to bug hunts to film show. Events are often posted on Facebook but visit our website www.rspb.org.uk for the most up-to-date information.

The reserve has a well stocked shop with the latest bird feeding and care equipment in stock, along with binoculars and telescopes, an excellent range of wildlife books, gifts for all ages and lots for kids as well. Stock up on bird seed, get someone a birthday present or treat yourself to something from our eco-friendly, palm oil free skinny dipper range of products.

The visitor centre has excellent views over the Aird Meadow section of the reserve from both the downstairs viewing area and upstairs from the Tower. Binoculars and telescopes are provided, along with our friendly team to help you use them, so that you can get the most from your day out.

The reserve has three main walks: Aird Meadow trail (1km) a beautiful woodland walk leading to our wildlife watching hide, from which you can see a wide variety of ducks, swans and other wetland birds. The trail and hide are both wheelchair accessible, although the surface is natural and uneven in places; Dubbs trail (500m) a walk along the reedbed and wetland with a simple and peaceful viewpoint at the end; Semple Trail (1 mile) walk along this entirely off-road track from the RSPB Centre all the way to Castle Semple visitor centre, taking in the River Calder and accompanying wildlife (kingfisher, dipper, grey wagtail).

Lochwinnoch village and the nearby visitor attractions make this an excellent place for an afternoon out with the family, to take in the peaceful countryside, only 20mins from Glasgow!

Entrance charges:
Free entry to visitor centre, viewing area and shop. Small admission fee for nature trails. Free for RSPB members and those travelling by 'green' transport. Free hot drink if you travel to the reserve by bike!

If you are new to birdwatching...
There are two feeding stations on the reserve. One is located in front of the main viewing area in the visitor centre and one can be found along the Aird Meadow Trail. There is a packed events programme throughout the year, with something for everyone from guided walks and evening talks, to bug hunts and fungus forays.

Information for families:
We aim to make all of our events suitable for the whole family, often with accompanying adults attending free of charge (unless otherwise stated). We also run daily activities including pond dipping and bug hunting (April to October), our Monthly Wildlife Challenge, Bird Bingo and much more besides. We have a treetop tower with indoor games and activities - why not try the Treehouse Quiz?

Information for dog owners:
Dogs are allowed on all footpaths. They must be kept on a lead.

Cycling at RSPB Lochwinnoch:
Lochwinnoch is one of the most accessible RSPB sites in the UK, just a few hundred yards from Lochwinnoch train station, sits alongside National Cycle Route 7, with a safe walking route to and from the village itself and close by the A737 Irvine road.

If you're cycling, why not take the opportunity to use the brand new Semple Trail, a new, off-road route that joins RSPB Lochwinnoch, Lochwinnoch village and Castle Semple Visitor Centre to the village of Howwood. Why not cycle from RSPB Lochwinnoch to Howwood and then get the train back?

En route, you can enjoy vast stretches of farmland or take in the wildlife and scenery of the Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Lochs.

You could take a small diversion into the beautiful Parkhill Woods or stop off at the RSPB visitor centre to enjoy our woodland birds and feeding station, offering excellent views of a wide variety of species including great spotted woodpeckers, goldfinches and much more besides!

A great day out for the whole family!

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt

Selected dates between 23rd October 2021 - 31st October 2021

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Lochwinnoch

Explore the woodland trail and see how many ghoulish pumpkins you can find on the scavenger hunt with your family at RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve!
Read more

Winter Wetlands And Waterfowl Walk

14th November 2021

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Lochwinnoch

Discover the wonders of wetlands and the waterfowl that live within at RSPB Lochwinnoch on this specialised event which includes two guided walks!
Read more

Related Links

RSPB Barons Haugh Nature Reserve

RSPB Barons Haugh Nature Reserve Manse Road, Motherwell ML1 2PZ

RSPB Baron's Haugh is an important community nature reserve in Motherwell and is a real gem for wildlife and for visitors too.
Read more

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond

RSPB Loch Lomond Nature Reserve , Gartocharn

Located on the south-east shores of the loch, RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond has a variety of habitats from ancient woodlands to wildflower meadows and swampy grasslands.
Read more

More Visitor Centres in Renfrewshire

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre

Greenock Cut Visitor Centre Cornalees Bridge, Inverkip PA16 9LX

Situated in the heart of Inverclyde’s historic water catchment area, the Greenock Cut is a scheduled monument with fantastic views and trails.
Read more

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4EA

Clyde Muirshiel is Scotland's largest Regional Park - a great place to easily enjoy the outdoors. The Park is just west of Glasgow, south of Greenock, east of Largs and north of Ardrossan!
Read more

Finlaystone Country Estate

Finlaystone Country Estate , Langbank PA14 6TJ

Finlaystone Country Estate is an established visitor attraction managed by the family of the Chief of the Clan MacMillan.
Read more

Coats Observatory

49 Oakshaw Street West, Paisley PA1 2DE

Coats Observatory is the oldest public observatory in Scotland and was gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats and designed by Glasgow Architect...
Read more

Castle Semple Country Park

Castle Semple Country Park Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4EA

Castle Semple Visitor Centre and Country Park is the gateway to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park with wonderful water for outdoor activities plus walks, wildlife and woodlands.
Read more

Lamont City Farm

Lamont City Farm Barrhill Road, Erskine PA8 6EZ

Lamont City Farm is a vibrant community project located in Erskine, Renfrewshire.At Lamont Farm, you can meet a wide variety of domesticated animals,...
Read more

Muirshiel Country Park

Muirshiel Country Park Calder Glen Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB

Muirshiel Visitor Centre & Country Park gives easy access to 'great walking in hen harrier countryside' in what was once an impressive Victorian shooting estate!
Read more

All Visitor Centres listings in Renfrewshire

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues