The Moray and Nairn Coast is a protected wetland site on the southern shore of the Moray Firth, in the west of Scotland. A total of 2,412 hectares comprises two areas: intertidal flats, saltmarsh and sand dunes at Findhorn Bay and Culbin Bar, and alluvial deposits and woodland of the lower River Spey and Spey Bay. It has been protected as a Ramsar Site since 1997.[1]
| Moray and Nairn Coast | |
|---|---|
| Location | Grampian and Highland, Scotland |
| Nearest city | Elgin |
| Coordinates | 57°38′54″N 3°43′48″W / 57.648333°N 3.73°W |
| Area | 24.12 km2 (9.31 sq mi)[1] |
| Established | 2 February 1997 |
| Governing body | Joint Nature Conservation Committee |
The area supports a large number of over-wintering waders and waterbirds, including internationally important populations of greylag geese and long-tailed ducks.[2] Other important birdlife includes ospreys, bar-tailed godwits, pink-footed geese and common redshanks.[3]
As well as the Moray and Nairn Coast being recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention,[1] it has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation.[3]