The Nature of Scotland

1
The floodplain naturally floods several times a year, which
helps to keep it fertile. The marshes provide secure nesting
and feeding sites for large numbers of wading birds and
wildfowl. Over 500 pairs of wading birds (such as lapwing,
snipe, curlew and redshank), plus hundreds of pairs of
waterfowl (including rare species such as goldeneye, wigeon
and spotted crake) nest here from April to June.
Flooded ground provides the essential conditions for
these birds to survive. Listen out for the mournful echo of a
curlew or the persistent ‘pee-wit’ call of a lapwing. It’s also
an ideal environment for a range of specialist animals, from
otters to minute water life.
2
2
The reserve has one of the most important stands of aspen
trees in the country. Although aspen occurs throughout
Britain, it’s most common in the north and west of Scotland,
and is also found in Shetland and the Hebrides. Aspen
is notable for the distinctive way its leaves tremble in the
slightest breeze. The leaves of the tree were believed in
folklore to tremble continually, so it was also known as the
‘shivering tree’.
Aspen can reach a height of 20m, but in most locations
in the Highlands it will only grow to about 10m tall. The tree
is important for rare insects, mosses, lichens and fungi. Dead
aspen also provides a home for the very rare aspen hoverfly,
whose larvae live under the bark.
3
3
This area overlooks Invertromie Farm, and you can see along
the length of the floodplain. Cattle, ponies and sheep graze
the marsh from spring to autumn to keep the area free from
trees and to prevent the marsh from becoming overgrown.
The marshes also provide a little grass for hay and other
forage cutting in drier areas. The floods return in late summer
and force cattle and sheep to higher ground. During the
summer months, you might see osprey hunting for fish along
the river and over open areas of water.
2
Goldeneye have been
attracted to nest at
Insh Marshes in
specially designed
boxes put up on trees
close to water.
3
Redshank like wet
grassland. Drainage on
farmland has reduced
their numbers
nationally.
4
Aspen wood was once
a popular choice for
making oars and
paddles because it’s
light and buoyant.
38 The Nature of Scotland