Welcome

A community led group that is exploring ways that the River Nith catchment is recognised as a vital asset in local sustainability planning. By combining environmental action, education, culture and community engagement, Nith Life aims to strengthen care for the River Nith as a living system that supports biodiversity, wellbeing and a sustainable local future.

Devorgilla bridge over The Nith in Dumfries

Nith Life Objectives

Advancement of environmental protection or improvement
Advancements of the arts, heritage, culture and science
Advancement of education

Projects

Citizen science activities

Culture, art & heritage

Wildlife & biodiversity monitoring

Organisational networking

Community consultations

Addressing climate change

Future Public Meetings

See The Whats on page and our Facebook page for details

10th November Tide Watchers – Waders of the River Nith and estuary.

24th November The Pollution Paradox: Chemicals, Waste and the Price of Progress.

Break for Christmas

26th January – Talk at The Bridge, Dumfries DG2 9AW

23rd February – Talk – Details to be confirmed

All photos on this site are taken within the Nith catchment and are owned by Nith Life.

Looking across Nith estuary to Criffel

Swans on Knockshinoch Lagoon New Cumnock

Upper Nith looking towards Queensberry

Location

The Nith rises in the Carsphairn hills of East Ayrshire, between Prickeny Hill and Enoch Hill, 4.4 miles (7.1 km) east of Dalmellington. For the majority of its 70 miles (110 km) course it flows in a south-easterly direction through Dumfries and Galloway and then into the Solway Firth at Airds Point.

Length

For estuaries the principle followed is that the river should be visible at all times. The measurement therefore follows the centre of the river at low tide and the mouth of the river is assumed to be at the coastal high tide mark. In Scotland this does not generally make a significant difference, except for rivers draining into shallow sloping sands of the Irish Sea and Solway Firth, notably the Nith. At low tide, the sea recedes to such an extent that the length of the Nith is extended by 13 km to 113.8 km (70.7 miles), making it Scotland’s seventh longest river.