Scotland: Europe’s No1 wildlife watching destination

Stunning Loch Lomond, centrepiece to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Stunning Loch Lomond, centrepiece to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Every year, the BBC runs Springwatch and Autumnwatch, a series of live programmes that highlights the very best bits of the UK’s seasonal nature using webcams, local experts and stunning footage. This year the main crew are based in the RSPB Minsmere Reserve in Suffolk, with co-presenter Iolo Williams broadcasting live from Poltalloch in Argyll and Sutherland – an unspoilt stretch of Scotland’s west coast that boasts sea eagles, seals, otters, beavers, and sightings of wildcat. But is spotting such incredible examples of Scotland’s nature just the preserve of TV crews and conservationists? The answer is no, because Scotland has been voted Europe’s No1 wildlife-watching destination, and with the accolade, has become even better at getting the layman out there to enjoy the very best of the nation’s wildlife. 

Osprey at Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld

Osprey at Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld

Wild places near Stirling: If you’re staying in Stirling and want to see some of Scotland’s wildlife in unspoilt surroundings, then head for Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, around a 30-minute drive from Stirling’s city centre. Throughout the year, Park Rangers organise and support wildlife watching events to teach the skills of successful and sustainable wildlife watching. Check their events calendar for information. Because the Park encompasses a wide range of distinct habitats, wildlife watchers can be rewarded with sightings of many different species within a relatively small area. The Queen Elizabeth and Argyll Forest parks areas are home to red squirrel, badger, red and roe deer, as well as hedgehogs and bats at dusk. Ospreys are summer visitors to the waters of Loch Lomond and the Lake of Menteith. On higher ground within the park, forest plantations provide ideal habitat for golden eagles and the fascinating black grouse – watching the black grouse ‘lekking’ in early mornings is a pursuit in itself for keen birdwatchers. Loch Long and Loch Goil are home to both seals and porpoises, with wading birds in abundance at the mouth of the River Eachaig at Kilmun. The Park provides a vital habitat to the endangered water vole, and observers may also glimpse otter. With the guidance of a ranger, or even just a little patience, there is no reason why even inexperienced observers can’t see at least some of Scotland’s fascinating wildlife in the Park. If you need any more inspiration, the Park’s Top Ten Days Out  provides a list of easy outings, each with the promise of a nature sighting ranging from osprey to woodpeckers, fallow deer to butterflies. If you want a pretty much guaranteed osprey sighting, head for Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve near Dunkeld, just one hour from Stirling (and a beautiful drive too).

Wildlife watchers can spot seals at Loch Long and Loch Goil

Wildlife watchers can spot seals at Loch Long and Loch Goil

Knowing what to look for: For the most rewarding wildlife watching – wherever you are in Scotland – it helps to know exactly what you should be looking for at what time of year. The Scottish seasons bring migrating birds, as well as short-lived seasonal spectacles like carpets of bluebells, the deer rut, black grouse lekking and much more – moments in nature that can add a bit of magic to your stay. To help you plan your holiday around what nature is doing, Wild Scotland provides a nature-watching calendar explaining what you can expect to see when. The site also describes the wildlife you will typically find in each region of Scotland, including Perthshire and Stirling. Elsewhere you will also find helpful advice on successful wildlife watching, as well as details of guided nature watches for those who want to learn the ropes. The interactive adventure map is a brilliant resource to help pinpoint the tour guide nearest you, including providers right here in Stirling.

There has never been a better time to explore natural Scotland, no matter how inexperienced you may be. So, treat yourself to a pair of sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof and a pair of binoculars, and get out there!

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