An elevated area of blanket bog in East Ayrshire, centred around the village of Muirkirk, the Muirkirk Uplands represents one of the best examples of upland habitat in the West of Scotland and also provides an internationally-important breeding assemblage of upland birds, comprising significant populations of hen harrier, short-eared owl, with merlin, peregrine falcons and golden plovers also present. In 2001, the area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) extending to 19,270 ha (47,617 acres). It now forms a Special Protection Area along with the North Lowther Uplands.