Sands of Forvie

Sands of Forvie is a national nature reserve near the mouth of the River Ythan, featuring sand dunes, coastal heathland, and salt marshes. The reserve spans hundreds of hectares and protects several distinct habitats that support varied plants and wildlife.

People have inhabited this area since prehistoric times, with evidence of burial cairns and Bronze Age settlements scattered throughout. A medieval settlement with its own church existed here until advancing sand dunes gradually buried the structures, forcing its abandonment.

The buried ruins of a medieval church show how sand gradually consumed a settlement over centuries. Walking through the dunes, visitors can sense how dramatically this landscape shifted and forced communities to abandon their homes.

The reserve has several marked walking trails and designated parking areas for easy access throughout the grounds. An information centre provides maps and educational resources to help visitors understand what they see while exploring the area.

The reserve contains one of Britain's largest active sand dune systems, which thrives in harsh coastal conditions and supports rare bird species during migration and breeding. Visitors often miss the hidden medieval village beneath the sand dunes unless they explore with an awareness of the buried archaeology.

Location: Aberdeenshire

GPS coordinates: 57.31194,-1.98611

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05