Glen Clova is the most important area in the River South Esk catchment for farmland wading birds (i.e. Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe) and boasts regionally significant numbers. RSPB Scotland staff have surveyed wader populations in Glen Clova since 1996 and work closely with local land managers on habitat management. The 2024 survey recorded a total of 244 wader territories and noted that Rottal is a particularly important area for waders.