Bird PlacesIsle of May
Anstruther, Fife · Natural England · 26.9 km away
coastalfee not published
East Lothian Council reserve · Aberlady, East Lothian
Aberlady Bay birdwatching guide
Aberlady Bay was the first local nature reserve declared in Britain, and its mudflats, saltmarsh and dunes still hold large winter flocks of pink-footed geese that roost on the sands and fly inland at dawn. There are no hides — the reserve is walked rather than watched from cover — and the crossing of the timber footbridge onto the dunes is part of its character.
Key facts
- Habitat
- coastal
- Size
- Not recorded
- Entry fee (adult)
- Free
- Entry fee (child)
- Free
- Membership required
- No
- Hides
- Not published
- Wheelchair access
- Limited / none
- Car park
- Yes
- Car park to hides
- 1.5km walk across the footbridge and dunes to the bay
- Toilets
- No
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Status
- open
- Best seasons
- autumn, winter
Species by season
| Season | Species | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| autumn | Curlew (Numenius arquata) | common | — |
| winter | Eider (Somateria mollissima) | common | — |
| winter | Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) | common | Large roost on the sandflats; dawn flights inland |
| winter | Redshank (Tringa totanus) | common | — |
Getting there
Aberlady, East Lothian
View on OpenStreetMap · Official website
Facilities & opening
Open at all times
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to see the goose roost at Aberlady?
First light from October to February, when pink-footed geese leave the sandflats to feed inland; dusk return flights are also spectacular.
Can I take a dog to Aberlady Bay?
No. Aberlady Bay is East Lothian's only dog-free nature reserve: dogs are not permitted from April to July inclusive, and must be kept on a lead at all other times, to avoid disturbing nesting and roosting birds.
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Information last updated 25 July 2026.