TWO nature reserves in Scotland have been named among the best in the whole of the UK to visit before the end of winter.
The Scottish locations were named alongside lovely spots across Britain, including Upper Ray Meadow in Buckinghamshire and Washington Wetland Centre in Tyne and Wear.
Two nature reserves in Scotland named among the best to visit in Britain
![Caerlaverock Wetland Centre in Dumfries and Galloway]()
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre in Dumfries and Galloway (Image: Getty Images)
Caerlaverock Wetland Centre in Dumfries and Galloway and Red Moss of Balerno Nature Reserve near Edinburgh were named among the best spots in the UK by The Times.
Discussing Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, the publication said this 1400-acre nature reserve on the north Solway coast contains a "vast array" of wildlife.
During the winter months, more than 30,000 barnacle geese "descend" on the Scottish site from Arctic Svalbard alongside "vast flocks" of lively whooper swans and pink-footed geese.
Visitors can follow river paths down to the Lochar Water where skylarks "sing overhead" and where there is a chance of "glimpsing" an "elusive "otter or roe deer.
The newspaper added: "As spring approaches, wildflower meadows will burst into bloom, welcoming colourful butterflies and dragonflies."
A raised wooden boardwalk is said to "snake" across the bog, taking visitors on a walk that is "fantastic" for bird spotting.
The title tells nature lovers: "Listen out for the drumming of a snipe, a long-billed bird that is often brilliantly camouflaged on the edges of ponds.
"Watch for brown hares and spot the bright golden and red colours of rich sphagnum moss and round-leaved sundew that grows beside the water."
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The area is popular with walkers across the country with outdoors enthusiasts on AllTrails recommending a 2.6 km route starting and ending in the nearby carpark.
The trail takes an average of 40 minutes to complete and allows visitors to see the "excellent" ecosystem in all its glory.
On the website, the route has received a 4.2/5 with one traveller dubbing it a "wonderful walk".
The path is child-friendly with dog owners being advised to keep their furry friends leashed at all times while here.
