In all activities you do in the Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve, we ask that you respect and take care of this precious and fragile ecosystem and the wildlife living in it.
Above all, do not disturb the wildlife, either on land or on water. Shotgun fire causes unwelcome disturbance to local residents living close to the Bay. We know of many local people who detest the shooting season, because they get woken up by early morning shotgun fire up to 6 mornings per week. If you must shoot at living creatures, please do it in more remote places than Findhorn Bay. Shooting also causes unnatural behaviours in the wildlife populations and therefore affects the enjoyment of other Bay users, who like to watch the wildlife, rather than kill it.
If you come across an injured bird or animal, please be sure to contact the Animal Helpline of the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999. And if you suspect that a crime may have been committed, please contact Police Scotland on 101, and note that while any police officer can investigate a suspected wildlife crime, every Police Division in Scotland has a Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer. In Moray, this is currently PC Hannah Haywood (correct as of February 2022).
Take your litter home with you – plastic waste is highly detrimental to wildlife. We have picked up over 1,000 plastic shotgun cartridges and wads from within the Nature Reserve since early 2016.
Please keep your dog on a lead in the Nature Reserve, and clear up any poo your canine companion leaves behind. There are a few bins specifically designated for dog poo in and around Findhorn Bay.
Note that dog fouling is subject to a fine of £80. If you live in the area, you could become a Green Dog Walker®, which Moray Council describes as a non-confrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling throughout the Moray area.
And remember, the tide rises quickly, so take care when walking on the mud flats in the Bay and on the beach at low tide.