Discover some wonderful wildlife
autumn in Galloway Forest Park
a red squirrel
Loch Trool in Galloway Forest Park
Explore some of the region’s wildlife parks and nature reserves for a chance to spot both native species and some more exotic animals.
Discover some spectacular wildlife by spending an afternoon in the Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s largest forest park. Home to a vast variety of species, the park has many areas dedicated to certain animals making the chances of spotting them more likely. You could see black grouse, red squirrels, nightjar and wild goats to name just a few.
Walk through the beautiful woodland to the Red Deer Range to see the park’s largest mammal. You can take a guided ranger tour between June and September to find out more about the ‘monarch of the glen’ and for a chance to experience the remarkable red deer rut you can visit the park in October to be part of the Roaring Stag event.
For fantastic bird watching opportunities, travel to Scotland's most southerly point and visit the Mull of Galloway RSPB Reserve. The reserve not only boasts some brilliant wildlife but the views from the cliff-tops are simply breathtaking - look out over the Solway Firth and the Irish Sea to the west, with the Isle of Man in the distance.
As you walk along the cliff-tops, you’ll experience the fascinating sight of wild energy created by a large colony of seabirds from kittiwakes to guillemots and puffins. The cliff-top heaths are also a haven for fascinating species such as rare butterflies, peregrines and stonechats.
Discover spectacular birds of prey at Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve (NNR), one of the wildest places in south west Scotland. Enjoy peaceful walks and stunning views over the barren but beautiful landscape that has been shaped by the elements, giving you a feel of real Scottish wilderness.
Spot stunning birds such as hen harriers, peregrine falcons and the occasional golden eagle soaring overhead and scour the moorland for red and black grouse. You also have the chance to spot majestic roe and red deer in the woodland fringes and intriguing insects such as dragonflies and damselflies around the bogs. Explore the area as you enjoy long, relaxed walks and try to spot the stunning sculptures by artist Matt Baker that are dotted around the reserve.
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