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1). Fountainbleau and Ladypark Status: None Access: Open Facilities: Car park Map Reference: 84-NX 986 772 |
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Ladypark is a remarkably natural site despite lying within Dumfries town boundary and has so far escaped development largely due to its wetness. Originally a loch, silting and slow colonisation by wetland vegetation has replaced the open water with marshland and fen carr woodland. In late medieval times the loch still contained open water and was known as the Black Loch. It was here that the citizens of Dumfries reputedly disposed of executed prisoners and cholera victims! Today, the 'Black Loch' is a much more inviting, if still a rather wet, place to visit. Birch woodland, with patches of Alder and Willow carr, covers much of the old loch. Some of the more swampy areas are still unwooded and colonised by marsh plants, such as Bottle Sedge, Marsh Violet, Marsh Cinquefoil and Bogbean. Dead timber within the woodland supports a wide range of bracket fungi and mosses. In summer the wetter areas are good sites for damselflies and dragonflies, whilst in the more open areas wild flowers serve to attract butterflies, moths and other insects. The site also has breeding populations of Willow and Sedge Warblers, Reed Bunting and Redpoll. Not bad for a reserve lying next to a secondary school and industrial park!
Please note that the boardwalking at this site is unsafe and is in the process of being removed, so bring your wellies. As this page was being prepared there were plans for a housing and retail development on land adjacent to Ladypark. What affects this will have on the reserve are not known at present, but at least local residents will be able to shop and look at nature at the same time! |
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Photo: Zygaena filipendulae - Six-spot Burnet Moth; B. Soames |
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