Craigellachie National Nature Reserve lies to the west of the village of Aviemore in Strathspey, in the central Highlands of Scotland. The reserve covers 257 hectares, dominated by birch woodland, yet encompassing a variety of other habitats, such as rocky crags, lochans and open heath. It was declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1961 and is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) through a lease from Reidhaven Estate.

The birchwood at Craigellachie NNR can be described as "semi-natural", having arisen before 1750; many of the trees are around 100 years old. The range of habitats supports a diverse range of plant communities, with over 385 flowering-plant types being recorded at the reserve, including nationally-scarce species, such as least waterlily, serrated wintergreen, dwarf birch, and bog hair grass. There are 71 species of fungi and 22 lichen species have been recorded at the reserve, owing to the birchwood habitat.

Around 50 bird species are present, including a number of UKBAP species, such as spotted flycatcher, song thrush, bullfinch, lesser redpoll, tree pipit, wood warbler , red grouse and black grouse. Furthermore, a pair of peregrine falcons nest on the crags, which can be viewed through a webcam in the visitor centre section of the Aviemore Youth Hostel. Wikipedia

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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