Wildfire risk

With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.

Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00

About

Baron's Haugh is a thriving community nature reserve in Motherwell and is a real gem for wildlife. Spend time in one of our wetland hides spotting ducks and swans, or wander through the woods looking for woodpeckers and Nuthatches. If you’re lucky you may even see a Kingfisher or an Otter on the river.

The reserve's different wetland habitats offer homes for an abundance of birds, amphibians and insects. We encourage the water level to fluctuate to create a dynamic, semi-natural environment.

Grazing the grasslands creates a varied vegetation habitat to enhance biodiversity. Cattle munch the grass and create tussocks and divets: all important elements for a range of species. Baron's Haugh also has extensive woodland, where you can hear Tawny Owls hoot and spy Nuthatches feeding upside down.

At a glance

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Baron's Haugh
Events at Baron's Haugh

Discover exciting events all year at Baron's Haugh. Take a look at the link below to see the upcoming events taking place.

Enjoy a few moments

Hides are a great way to get close to nature at any time. But in winter they can also offer welcome shelter. In this video Stephen Magee from RSPB Scotland's communications team explains why you might want to visit a hide yourself.

This is a great location to spot Kingfishers

The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.

Contact Baron's Haugh