Trottick Mill Ponds Local Nature Reserve

Trottick Mill Ponds is one of two Local Nature Reserves in Dundee. It is bordered in part by agricultural land and housing to the north, east and west and Caird Park to the south. The site provides important links to other areas of natural heritage importance in the city, allowing the movement of wildlife. The ponds once played an important part in the history of linen production in Dundee.

Built over 200 years ago the mill ponds provided water and power to the Claverhouse Bleachworks that were involved in the final process of turning flax into linen. Today the ponds are still fed by the Dighty, the quality of which has greatly improved since industrial times and now plays an important part in providing a wildlife oasis in the urban environment. The site has a diverse range of habitats from river, ponds and lades to meadow and woodland giving home to a variety of wildlife including birds, frogs, swans, water voles and even otters.

The site is managed by the Countryside Rangers along with support from the local branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and an informal local residents group who meet to undertake management tasks such as invasive species control and weekly litter sweeps on the site.

The site is used extensively for educational purposes, given its diversity and easy access. Regular events run by the Countryside Ranger Service take place at the Ponds, and these have included a Family Fun Day and Dawn Chorus bird watching event.