Ashgrove Loch

Ashgrove Loch
Stevenston Loch
Ashgrove Loch, from its southern shore
Ashgrove Loch
Location	Scottish Lowlands
Coordinates	55°39′41″N 4°44′37.5″W
Primary outflows	Loch Canal
Basin countries	Scotland, United Kingdom
Max. length	540 m (1,770 ft)
Max. width	300 m (980 ft)
Surface elevation	54 m (177 ft)

Ashgrove Loch, also known as Stevenston Loch, is a mesotrophic lochan (small loch) in North Ayrshire, Scotland, approximately 2km northeast of the town of Stevenston.

Due to artificial drains, known as "cunnels", approximately 90% of the lochan's surface is covered by floating vegetation and is classed as a fen. The lochan sustains rich plant life, including two rare species, Lysimachia thyrsiflora and Cicuta virosa.

Many bird species also use the lochan, including the grass and sedge warbler.

Ashgrove Loch sits on a bed of Carboniferous limestone and thus has a high mineral content.

The lochan's primary outflow, "Loch Canal", is an artificial burn regulated by a sluice at Lochend, having previously powered a watermill there.

Crannog

In 1868, archaeologist John Smith discovered a crannog on the loch's east shore, roughly 22m in diameter. Several tools were found within the site, which were transferred to the National Museum of Antiquities. Since its initial excavation in the 19th century, the crannog has fallen into disrepair and no longer resembles its original state.

While Smith claimed to have found evidence of five more crannogs at the lochan's south end in 1894, aerial surveys in 1982 revealed "nothing significant".