Our holiday cottages at Ross Bay are so lucky to be located in a beautiful part of South Scotland. We are located by the sea with great views, surrounded by wonderful, natural and bio-diverse countryside. There is no better way to slow down, relax and take the opportunity to escape daily routines and stresses, and recharge your batteries.
Views from Ross Bay Retreat Holiday Cottages
It is a delight to see such a variety of wildlife, farm animals, plant life all living in harmony together. The land and local area all benefits from biodiversity and so do we. Our guests love being able to watch the wildlife living happily in their natural surroundings. This can be enjoyed both from the doorstop of the holiday cottages or by heading out for a walk out onto Ross peninsula.
Farm Animals & Biodiversity
Sustainable Farming & the Local Landscape
At Ross Farm we strive to enable sustainable farming which benefits our farm animals, the indigenous wildlife, the local environment, our landscape and of course, nature. This all helps make our peninsular beautiful for all to enjoy.
Recent wildflower surveys found that we had some locally scarce and also threatened species growing locally. These included juniper, wild onion, wild garlic and rock samphire which is normally found further south. It was also found that the endangered Northern Brown Argus Butterfly is feeding and thriving on the yellow flowered common rock-rose, its most important food source. All these species must love our local ecosystem, the great temperate weather and nutrient rich fertile land.
Natural Habitats at Ross Bay – Credit Stephen Cooper
Nature in Harmony
Just heading out around the farmlands and our peninsula we can see first-hand evidence of bio-diverse nature living happily. From our field margins, the local woods to the headlands out towards the rocky coastline we can see a variety colourful flowers, plant life and abundant animals living contentedly in their natural habitat.
We have a variety of wildflowers common to the area. These include thrift (or cliff clover) and sea campion down by the sea. The vibrant purple ling heather and pretty harebells are happy on the hills, wood anemone, spring bluebells in the woodland and rose-pink campion. Wild garlic and wild primrose grow in the lanes.
Cross pollination is also very important and bees and butterflies are crucial to the ecosystem and the food chain. Without them, many plants and the food we eat would die out.
Sue Dale-Sunley at Ross Bay Retreat says: “You will be sure to find many bees and butterflies amongst the wildflower areas and hedgerows, during any short walk along the lane around Ross Bay”.
Spring Flowers at Ross Bay
The Health Benefits of Nature & Bio-Diversity
Biodiversity is key to the mental health benefits of nature. A new study and research from King’s College London has found that areas with a diverse range of natural features are widely associated with stronger improvements in our mental wellbeing. This is compared to areas with less natural diversity.
Diverse natural environments are playing essential roles in reducing pollutants and moderating temperatures. This helps protect us all against chronic physical conditions such as allergies and asthma, while decreasing stress levels and enhancing our overall mental wellbeing.
The science, then, is clear. Biodiversity is critical not only for the health of our planet but also for human mental health.
Cutting Grass for Silage at Ross Bay
Book a Holiday Cottage & Enjoy Bio-Diversity Countryside
Ross Bay Retreat is located in one of the most southerly points of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. This has been recognised internationally as a world class environment for people and nature.
Book a self-catering cottage holiday at Ross Bay Retreat and find out the delights of our wonderful natural and bio-diverse countryside and surroundings for yourself.
Useful Links & More Information:
- Biodiversity at Ross Farm – https://rossbayretreat.com/the-farm/biodiversity/
- Biodiversity is key to the mental health benefits of nature
- Embrace the Wonderful Biodiversity at Ross Bay
- 6 Great Wildlife & Nature Areas around Dumfries & Galloway
- 5 Great Outdoor Adventures in & around Kirkcudbright for Wildlife Lovers
- How Guests Can Enjoy Going Green at Ross Bay Retreat
- What is Biodiversity & Why is it Important?
Flowers & Field Boundaries at Ross Bay Farm
