Data Zone
Country/territory: United Kingdom
Subnational region(s): Scotland
IBA Justification: A4i, B1i, B2, C2, C3, C6 (2007)
Area: 1,012 hectares (10.12 km2)
BirdLife Partner(s): Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
| Conservation status of the Important Bird Area (IBA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of assessment (most recent) | State (condition) | Pressure (threat) | Response (action) |
| 2007 | very unfavourable | medium | medium |
Site description (2007 baseline)
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.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch (United Kingdom). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/ythan-estuary-sands-of-forvie-and-meikle-loch-iba-united-kingdom on 17/01/2025.