The long, narrow estuary of the River Ythan runs in a north-south direction, entering the sea 18 km north of Aberdeen. Large tracts of sand-dunes exist either side of the river mouth, which comprises extensive mud and gravel flats. The Sands of Forvie sand-dune system contains a complete range of dune types and supports lichen-rich heath. The IBA is important for breeding seabirds and wintering waterbirds, including an important goose roost at Meikle Loch.
