Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve is the largest LNR in Britain. The estuary, with large areas of salt marsh and mudflats is vitally important for many of the species that live there, especially for salt tolerant plants and wintering wildfowl. The reserve is a popular venue for a range of recreational activities including angling and bird watching.

Many species are to be seen including thousands of wild geese wintering on the salt marshes. There is now a purpose built bird hide overlooking the recently completed ‘wetlands area’ which has already been successful in attracting new breeding species to the area.

In the recently restored and award winning Wigtown County Buildings there are close circuit television views of the bay and its wildlife as well as close up views of the nest of the annual visiting Ospreys who have successfully bred here for the past few years. The viewing room has magnificent views over Wigtown Bay.