Lochend Loch, Coylton

Lochend Loch
Lochend Loch
Lochend Loch The location of Lochend Loch, South Ayrshire
Location	Coylton, South Ayrshire, Scotland
Coordinates	Coordinates: 55°26′55.7″N 4°30′37.4″W / 55.448806°N 4.510389°W / 55.448806; -4.510389
Type	Freshwater loch
Primary inflows	Joppa Burn, rainwater and field drainage
Primary outflows	Lochend Burn running to the Water of Coyle
Basin countries	Scotland
Surface area	Formerly 2–3 acres (0.81–1.21 ha)
Max. depth	Formerly 14 ft (4.3 m)
Surface elevation	192 ft (59 m)
Islands	One
Settlements	Ayr

Lochend Loch, which once had nearly 3 acres in surface area is now only a small freshwater loch remnant. It lies in the South Ayrshire Council Area, lying on the hill above Joppa, between Gallowhill and Lochend Farm.

Lochend Loch was a post-glacial 'Kettle Hole' lying within a substantial depression and fed by the relatively minor flow of the Joppa Burn, field runoff and rainfall, it's outflow running into the Water of Coyle as the Barwhey or Barquey Burn. A small islet is indicated on the early OS maps, no longer shown when the loch level was lowered in the late 1890s or early 1900s. Roy's map of 1747 shows the then sizeable loch with a roughly circular island near the centre of the loch; the outflow joined the Water of Coyle near Coyle bridge. Armstrong's map of 1775 shows the loch.

The OS maps suggest that the water flow could be controlled so as to set the level of the loch. OS maps also show that the size has been greatly reduced and in 2011 only a small area of open water survives, surrounded by wetland with no significant outflow remaining. The main drain sets the present water level and the previous ditch is now infilled for part of its length with a pipe within it.

The height differential between the present outflow and the presumed natural overflow is illustrated by the 'fossilised' lochshore features. A quoted depth of 4.3m or 14 ft for the early 19th century is reflected by this evidence. Although the old lochs outflow passes close to the site of the now demolished Bridgend Cottages, no evidence of a watermill survives.

The loch is eutrophic and is surrounded by a wide wetland margin that dries out progressively towards the surrounding pastures. Animals found at the site include willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) are present, the European hare (Lepus europaeus), meadow brown, (Maniola jurtina), and small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae).

Plants found include typical wetland species such as sedges, willows, and rushes. Hedge woundwort is plentiful, as are wild angelica (Angelica sylvestris) is plentiful, as are Hedge woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), and reed canary grass, (Phalaris arundinacea). The open water area exhibits yellow pond-lily (Nuphar lutea). Wild angelica, reedmace (bullrush), yellow meadow vetchling, Yorkshire fog grass, tussock grass, and meadowsweet were also noted and Brooklime speedwell grows within the ditch of the Joppa Burn inflow.