("lough" pronounced as "luff") is the largest, species-rich area of open water in the lowlands of north and east . It is formed in boulder clay and is thought to be a natural feature although the water levels are now controlled by
Sluice . In addition to its vegetation interest the Lough is relatively undisturbed and supports a notable invertebrate fauna and a good range of waterfowl.
Thurstonfield Lough was used as the header tank for the water courses which run toward the
Solway Firth . These streams powered corn mills, with different mills working on different days of the week to maintain the flow of water. The establishment of the Lough and its
Sluice , which still survives today, provided water to the mills even in times of low rainfall. This water management allowed each settlement down stream to run its own mill.
