St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
About St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
St Cyrus is a Cliff grassland and sand dune reserve in Aberdeenshire, managed by NatureScot. The reserve covers approximately 92 hectares and is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The reserve supports a rich grassland flora including the rare small purple-pea, greater butterfly orchid and adder's tongue fern. The cliffs support nesting fulmars and jackdaws. The sandy beach and dunes have sea rocket and sea sandwort. Butterflies include small copper and common blue. Stonechats and linnets breed in the gorse.
Wildlife & Habitat at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
The reserve supports a rich grassland flora including the rare small purple-pea, greater butterfly orchid and adder's tongue fern. The cliffs support nesting fulmars and jackdaws. The sandy beach and dunes have sea rocket and sea sandwort. Butterflies include small copper and common blue. Stonechats and linnets breed in the gorse.
Location & Nearest Towns
St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The nearest town is Montrose. Nearby places include Montrose, Arbroath, Inverbervie.
Interesting Facts
- St Cyrus has one of the warmest microclimates in northeast Scotland, allowing species normally found much further south to thrive here.
- The small purple-pea, a nationally rare plant, grows here at its northernmost UK location.
- A rock-hewn hermit's cell, associated with the medieval St Cyrus, can still be seen on the cliff above the reserve.
Visitor Tips for St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
Spring to Autumn offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing.
Binoculars, walking boots or wellies, waterproofs, and a field guide. Insect repellent in summer.
Car park and visitor centre with toilets at the northern end of the reserve. Waymarked trails and interpretation panels. Beautiful sandy beach. The old lifeboat station serves as an interpretation centre.
Car park and visitor centre with toilets at the northern end of the reserve. Waymarked trails and interpretation panels. Beautiful sandy beach. The old lifeboat station serves as an interpretation centre.
Exploring St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a easy-access reserve in Aberdeenshire. The habitat is primarily Cliff grassland and sand dune, and the reserve is managed by NatureScot. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a first-time visitor, the reserve offers a peaceful escape into some of the UK's finest protected landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Cyrus National Nature Reserve suitable for families?
Yes, the reserve has accessible paths and a visitor centre suitable for families. Well-maintained paths from the visitor centre to the beach. Some steps and gentle gradients. The cliff-top path has steeper sections. Generally good access with some uneven ground.
What is the best time to visit St Cyrus NNR?
Spring to autumn offers the best wildflower displays. May to August for wildflowers and butterflies. Spring for cliff-nesting birds. Summer for the sandy beach. Autumn for migrating birds along the coast. Winter is mild but windy.
Are dogs allowed at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve?
Dogs are permitted on waymarked paths and the beach but must be kept on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds and the sensitive grassland flora.
Why Visit St Cyrus National Nature Reserve?
St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is a designated National Nature Reserve in Aberdeenshire, Scotland — one of the UK's finest protected wildlife sites. Browse our full directory of UK nature reserves to discover more sites to visit.
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