You are here:

Wildlife in Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway's wildlife is wonderful from red squirrels to rutting stags, beautiful butterflies to wild geese, nesting ospreys to natterjack toads.

a dipper sitting by the water

dipper

a barn owl sitting on top of a mossy wooden post in Mersehead

a barn owl in Mersehead

a pair of badgers by their sett

badgers

a natterjack toad sitting amongst the grasses

natterjack toad

1234
Stop Play

Local Nature Reserves in Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries & Galloway's Local Nature Reserves have plenty to keep birdwatchers fascinated and are home to a diverse array of wildlife.

Looking over the fields to Wigtown Bay which extends from Burrow Head to Little Ross, and to the estuary of the River Cree, Dumfries and Galloway.

Galloway Forest Park wildlife

Experience great views of rare red kites, admire rutting deer and spot red squirrels in Galloway Forest Park.

a red kite at Bellymack, Galloway Forest Park

Walks on the wild side

See the natural world of Dumfries & Galloway at its best - get out in the countryside where the wild things are...

Wig Bay

Wigtown's secret stars

More commonly known as Scotland's Book Town, Wigtown has another claim to fame - ospreys. You can get up close and personal with these stunning birds.

osprey

Explore the Mull of Galloway

From seabirds to sunsets, witness life on the edge at the most southerly point in Scotland.

black guilemot

Dumfries & Galloway's National Nature Reserves

Experience some amazing places and view wildlife from birds to butterflies at Dumfries & Galloway's four National Nature Reserves.

Peacock butterfly

Go on a wild goose chase at Caerlaverock

See one of Scotland’s great wildlife spectacles – the flocks of wintering wild geese and swans – at two wonderful reserves on the Solway Firth.

barnacle geese

Search

Skip search forms

Search for accommodation

More search options

Search for attractions

More search options

Search for events

Search for activities

More search options

Newsletter sign up »

Sign up now to receive regular e-newsletters and be the first to hear about the latest news, exciting events and festivals.

News letter sign up

Order a free brochure »

Order Dumfries and Galloway Brochures & Guides, such as the Accommodation Guide, Visitors Guide, Golf Guide, Walking Guide & Cycling Guide.

Order a free brochure

Don't miss

  • couple looking out onto Stroan Loch in Galloway Forest Park

    Enjoy a day in Galloway Forest Park

  • a local guide points out the sights to a group standing on a path gazing out to sea on a walking festival

    Join a walking festival

  • looking over to the 13th hole on Dunskey Golf Course by the shore

    Choose from three excellent golf trails

  • all the bicycles inside the Scottish Cycle Museum at Drumlanrig Castle

    Pedal along to cycling history

  • the moat surrounding the grand, triangular Caerlaverock Castle

    Explore grand castles of Dumfries & Galloway

  • one of Andy Goldsworthy's Striding Arches at the Byre, Cairnhead, Dumfries & Galloway

    Explore man-made and natural wonders

  • looking past the yellow daffidils to the green grass, trees and building of Threave Gardens

    Explore acclaimed gardens and nurseries

  • a sign sitting outside the Wanlockhead Museum of Lead Mining detailing the beam engine

    Discover fascinating museums

  • a peacock butterfly sitting on top of a thistle

    Visit all four National Nature Reserves

  • fresh lobster on display for sale © Savour the Flavours

    fresh lobster on display © Savour the Flavours