Mabie Forest Butterfly Conservation Reserve

The first Butterfly Conservation reserve in the SW Scotland branch area was opened on 24 July 2007 at Mabie Forest. The reserve comprises forestry plantation, ancient woodland and scrub and extends from Mabie House in the east to Lochaber Loch in the west

Butterfly Conservation and Forestry Commission Scotland have signed an agreement similar to that which is in place for the Allt Mhuic reserve on the shores of Loch Arkaig in Highland Region, for an area of Mabie Forest known as Lochaber Loch Forest Nature Reserve.

The Mabie Forest Reserve consists of Sitka Spruce plantation, ancient woodland and scrub and extends from Mabie House west towards Lochaber Loch. There is an extensive network of footpaths and cycle tracks. Mabie forest has been in existence since 1800 and was acquired by the Forestry Commission in 1943. In recent times the Forestry Commission has been managing it’s forests in a much more wildlife friendly manner. In particular this area of Mabie forest has been managed for the benefit of it’s butterflies especially for species such as Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. This agreement will mark a new chapter in the histories of Mabie Forest, Forestry Commission Scotland, Butterfly Conservation Scotland and last but by no means least the butterflies of Mabie Forest.

Mabie Forest Reserve boasts the largest number of butterfly species in Scotland - an impressive 23 species- including Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus & Dingy Skipper which are UK BAP species declining at a UK level and other butterfly species of interest are Dark Green Fritillary, Wall, Large Skipper and Purple Hairstreak. It is also home to the Forester Moth, a UK BAP species. The site’s southerly aspect and open woodland creates ideal sheltered, sunny, glades for these and other species.

The reserve will be managed in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland, and a reserve leaflet and nature trail will help visitors enjoy the reserve and its special wildlife.

Other wildlife of note include Nightjar, Wood Warbler, Pied Wagtail and Red Squirrel.

Parking: Car park, toilets amd picnic area are located at Mabie Forest off the A710 south west of Dumfries (NX950710). Cycle hire is also available.