How to have the wildest time in Scotland

From beaches to back gardens, expert on spotting elusive animals

Every one of us can do our bit to protect Scotland’s magnificent wildlife, according to conservationist Isla Hodgson. The author of a new guide to spotting our elusive birds and animals says: “We all need to become conservationists”.

Zoologist and conservationist Isla, 26, based in Aberdeen, has written Hidden Nature, revealing the best places to enjoy Scotland’s wildlife, from seals in the Ythan Estuary to rare seabirds on the Isle of Canna.

“The book is about the brilliance of our wildlife but also about the threats it faces, which are often caused by humans,” she said. “Right now, when nature is so under threat, we all need to become conservationists and do more to help biodiversity thrive and survive.”

Isla, from Whitley Bay near Newcastle, has lived in Scotland for eight years and studied zoology at the University of Aberdeen.

She continues to explore wildlife across Scotland and, in her book, argues that while our wildlife is hidden, it’s worth seeking out.

“I wanted to remind people how amazing and accessible our nature is,” said Isla. “It’s really easy to forget our wildlife because it’s quiet and shy. You really have to put the effort in to see smaller or more elusive animals.”

Her advice is to research the best spots to find a certain species and be patient.

“Don’t expect too much. You’re not guaranteed to see animals and that’s the beauty of wildlife spotting. Sometimes the best encounters are totally unexpected. Watch from a distance, don’t approach animals and treat them and their habitat with respect.”

Isla worked on her guide this year while completing her PHD in conservation, which studies the conflict between raptors and grouse moor management in Scotland.

She says there are many barriers to conservation in Scotland. “There’s a big debate over rewilding, letting large areas of Scotland go back to their natural state,” said Isla. “But the land also provides a very important resource for some people and a lot of it is privately owned. That’s where you get conflicts.

“Scotland isn’t a big country so we have to figure out how to use space for everyone.” She added: “Conversation is becoming more important as more species become endangered. That needs to be our primary focus.”

So what can we do to help preserve Scotland’s wildlife? “We are destroying some nature but we can also create it,” said Isla. “In your garden, you can plant bee- friendly wildflowers like strong- smelling herbs and lavender.

“Allow some of your garden to grow wilder, build little hedgehog hides or, in winter, put seeds and nuts out for birds off the ground.”

Isla’s work has led to encounters with some of the country’s most endangered birds of prey, including a rare sighting of Hen Harrier chicks in Perthshire. But while she says Scotland’s natural spaces make it ideal for spotting creatures, our urban landscapes shouldn’t be overlooked. One of Isla’s most memorable animal encounters was on her walk to university.

“There’s a family of otters on the River Don near Seaton Park,” she said. “I was able to see the family through the year and watch the mother bring up her two cubs. That’s something that I never expected to see in a city.”