Scotland the best
Wildlife reserves
Some of Europe’s most amazing wildlife lies within easy reach. You just need to know where to look
St Abb’s Head
Five-and-a-half miles north of Eyemouth and six miles east of main A1. Spectacular cliff scenery, a huge sea-bird colony, rich marine life and varied flora. Good view from top of stacks, geos and cliff-face full of serried ranks of guillemot, kittiwake, razorbill, etc. Hanging gardens of grasses and campion. Behind cliffs, grassland rolls down to the Mire Loch and its varied habitat of bird, insect, butterfly life and vegetation. Walks marked.
Sands of Forvie & Ythan Estuary
Fifteen miles north of Aberdeen. Cross bridge outside Newburgh on A975 to Cruden Bay and park. Path follows Ythan Estuary, bears north. Dunes in every aspect of formation. Collieston, a 17/18th-century fishing village, and Forvie Centre 2.4 miles away. These habitats support the largest population of
eiders in Britain and huge numbers of terns. It’s easy to get lost here, so get lost!
John Muir Country Park
Vast park between Dunbar and North Berwick. Includes estuary of the Tyne; part of the park is also known as Tyninghame. Diverse habitats: cliffs, sand spits and woodland. Many bird species. Crabs, lichens, sea and marsh plants. Enter at eastern extremity of Dunbar at Belhaven, off the B6370 from A1; or off A198 to North Berwick. Or better, walk from Dunbar by clifftop trail from The Rocks. You could walk to Helensburgh on the John Muir Way!
Insh Marshes near Kingussie
From Kingussie, 2.4 miles along B970 (past Ruthven Barracks), 2,500 acres of Spey floodplain run by RSPB. Trail marked out through meadow and wetland and a note of species to look out for (including six types of orchid, seven Red List birds and half the UK population of goldeneye). Also, two hides (250m and 450m) high above marshes, vantage points to see waterfowl, birds of prey, otters and deer.