The marshland is one of the biggest habitats at
Shieling Holidays, stretching from the main campsite right
down to the shore.
Start from the Shieling kitchen behind the main
showers on the lower campsite (map F6).
Walk through Alder,
Silver birch and Gorse,
where on sunny days you may see the
Gorse Shieldbug sunbathing on top of the bushes.
This sheltered area has a wealth of wildlife, including a number of unique
species.
From May to July, you can see the rare
Marsh Fritillary
butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on the
Devil's Bit Scabious , and from July to September,
the Scotch Argus
.
Look closely at the smaller plants and you may see the
insect eating Common Butterwort, with its small blue flowers, and
Round-leaved Sundew, with red leaves covered in a sticky substance to catch
the insects.
There are many orchids, including the Fragrant,
Heath-spotted & Northern Marsh
, both in this area and in the marshland in front of the Cottage (map D5),
where you will find a very nice group of Flag Iris.
On the path to the shore, you will see the
delicate Grass of Parnassus
flower, and may raise a snipe, now quite rare.
Keep an eye open for the fast flying
Gold-ringed Dragonfly
hunting for smaller insects.