NATURE RESERVES IN THE
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Culbin Sands Overlooking the Moray Firth, one of the largest shingle and
sand dune bars in Britain. You can see sea ducks, bar-tailed godwits, oyster
catchers and knots flock at high tide. Much of the reserve is remote,
unspoiled and largely undisturbed. open all year.
Loch Ruthven
A beautiful highland loch. The loch is the most important site in the UK for
the Slavonian Grebe. There is a hide, the perfect setting to watch the
grebes. Ospreys and black grouse can be seen regularly, also a chance of
seeing a peregrine or hen harrier. Open: all year. Location: 11 miles south
west of Inverness.
Udale Bay
Lying on the Cromarty Firth, is an extensive area of mud flats, marsh and
wet grassland. Late summer to April large numbers of wildfowl and wading
birds. The reserve holds up to 5,000 widgeons, in autumn they come to feed
on the eel grass beds. Late summer, fishing ospreys can be seen. Opening
Times: All year. Location: 1 mile west of Jemimaville on the B9163. |
Osprey
BIRD WATCHING IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
There are eight Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) nature
reserves for you to enjoy in the Scottish Highlands. There is something for
everyone - Abernethy Forest- Loch Garten Osprey Centre. Loch Garten is
famous for the ospreys which can be seen from the Osprey Centre in summer.
The Osprey became extinct in the area through overshooting, around 1900 and
it was half a century later before it was returned. There are excellent
views of the nest via live video relayed back to the centre, where staff are
on hand to explain what is happening. The walk from the car park to the
centre takes you through Caledonian pine forest, now a rare habitat. You may
see crested tits, Scottish crossbills or red squirrels on this walk or one
of the two other trails around the reserve.
Opening times: Reserve - open at all times. Osprey Centre - open daily
from April to late August 10am to 6pm.
Location: 10 miles east of Aviemore between the villages of Boat of
Garten and Nethy Bridge of the B970 follow signs to the RSPB Osprey Centre.
There is a wealth of wildlife in the highlands including a wide range of
differing species of birds. Even walking through Inverness city centre
alongside the river, it is common to see Dippers busying themselves amongst
the stones in the fast flowing river. Mallard ducks live and nest in the
natural islands on the River Ness and can be seen at any time when enjoying
a walk through the islands.
For a more comprehensive listing of nature reserves in the Inverness area
please contact
Tel. ++44 (0)1479 831694
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