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Kirk Plantation
Kirk
Plantation lies on the northeastern edge of Muirkirk. It is contained by
Glasgow Road and Kirkburn Road on two sides.
Grid reference: NS697278
Parking:
There are parking facilities and an interpretation board next to Glasgow Road
opposite the churchyard and also
within Muirkirk.
Access: Formal access throughout the site with surfaced paths. Suitable for wheelchair use.
Within short walking distance: Muirkirk Community Woodland (Smallburn)
Description:
Kirk Plantation is a recently wooded site, being wooded for less than 125
years. The woodland has regenerated
following feeling of predominantly scots pine crop in the late 1970's and
early 1980's. Land to the north and south of Muirkirk
has been identified as being of "High Nature Conservation Value"
and is designated under the Environmental Sensitive Area of
the Southern Uplands. Downy birch predominates throughout the site with areas
of grey willow and rowan, together with oak,
ash and scots pine. The majority of the woodland is between 15-20 years old
(2005).
Bird Species: Kirk Plantation provides excellent habitat for a range of resident and migrant species. Recorded species include;
Willow
warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Muirkirk Primary School, tree decoration and bird log
feeders, December 2008
A new forest
school / outdoor education area has been created for Muirkirk Primary, with
lovely
benches installed and a clearing defined.
