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Montrose Basin Visitor Centre

Migration globe Niall Benvie Arctic tern Laurie Campbell Goose extravaganza Common seals

Find out what is happening on the reserve with our Ranger Blog and see for yourself with our live Montrose Basin webcams.

Interactive Visitor Centre

Tern raft in fore ground of Montrose Basin Visitor Centre - Andy WakelinA bird haven situated in the heart of Angus on the edge of a tidal estuary, the Basin is of international importance for over 50,000 migratory birds each year. The winter spectacle of over 30,000 pink-footed geese arriving is not to be missed!

A great place to begin your visit is the visitor centre where our viewing gallery provides panoramic views across the Basin and high-powered telescopes and remote cameras literally bring the wildlife into the visitor centre. Marvel at the sight of the sand martins in our man-made sand martin bank, catch an amazing view of the kingfisher fishing in the pond right in front of the Centre and have the unique chance to watch common and arctic terns nesting on our floating tern raft. 

Facilities

Interactive displays for all ages, high-powered optical equipment and remote cameras, gift shop offering light refreshments, picnic benches.

Toilets and disabled access is also available. Free parking.

An education service is also run from the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre.

Find out more about our exciting events programme with activities throughout the year including guided walks, children’s activities and family fun days.

Opening Times   Admissions  
Open daily
(15 Mar – 15 Nov)
10.30 am – 5 pm Adults (concessions) £3.50 (£2.50)
Fri – Sun only
(16 Nov – 14 Mar)
10.30 am – 4 pm Family £7
Closed 25, 26 Dec and 1, 2 Jan SWT members Free
    Groups of 11 or more 10% discount

Location: Rossie Braes, Montrose, Angus DD10 9TJ (click on Montrose Basin's reserve page for more detailed location information)

Wildlife Reserve

Sunset over Montrose Basin estuary © Niall BenvieMontrose Basin is an enclosed estuary of the river South Esk covering 750 hectares. A daily tidal cycle brings in a rich soup of nutrients that attracts over 50,000 migratory birds each year.

The reserve attracts over 30,000 pink-footed geese from Iceland and Greenland, common eels swimming across the Atlantic from the Sargasso Sea, knots on their way from Siberia to West Africa, salmon travelling thousands of miles from Arctic Canada and Greenland and sedge warblers which return to the Basin in late spring after wintering in West Africa.

Take time out on the reserve to enjoy our four bird hides and reserve walks.  Visit our New hide at Tayock, the perfect location to catch the spectacular sight of thousands of pink-footed geese. To plan your visit, please have a look at the latest tide timetables and a local volunteer's insight on "where and when to watch birds".

Male eider duck - Niall Benvie Heron at sunrise - Niall Benvie Knot in flight - Niall Benvie Oystercatcher - Niall Benvie