The 6.5 ha loch, 6 metres deep, was created in 1975 through the extraction of materials used in the construction of the A 78 (T) Irvine and Kilwinning bypass.

The ground chosen for the Eglinton Tournament of 1839 was low, almost marshy pasture used as rough grazing, with grassy slopes rising on all sides.

Roe deer use the surrounding scrub area and water lilies are a feature of the western end of the loch.

Feeding and breeding in the surrounding wetland scrub are a variety of finches and even reed warblers, a notable species on the red data list.

[8] Extensive sections of boardwalks provide good access to the loch shores and informal paths run into areas of the wetland scrub; however the latter are closed during the breeding season.