Loch Garten is famous for the ospreys that can be seen from the Osprey Centre in summer, however they do not breed on the actual loch and are very rarely seen fishing here also. If Osprey is your target species it is probably much better to visit Insh Church. Live video pictures are relayed back to the centre, where staff are on hand to explain what is happening. The walk from the car park to the centre takes you through rare Caledonian pine forest, where you may see crested tit , Scottish crossbills or red squirrels. To avoid disturbance, view capercaillies during their spring lek from the centre.

The wildlife-rich Caledonian pineforest is like no other forest in the UK. Huge, gnarled, lichen-encrusted Scots pine trees dot the landscape, offering perfect habitat for crested tit , interspersed with other species such as juniper, rowan, birch, blae’berry and heather. Pinewood specialities like twinflower and creeping ladies tresses are to be found, nestling in the lush vegetation. A myriad of fungi helps to break down the deadwood, a vital component of a healthy forest.

Tip: Take the woodland trail from the car park to Loch Mallachie (Inset picture). This is usually much quieter than the tracks around the visitor centre. Common redstart (main picture) , crested tit, scottish crossbill, common crossbill, siskin , common sandpiper and goldeneye on the loch, possible passing osprey, birds of prey , red squirrel.

Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Forest Lodge, Nethy Bridge, PH25 3EF

Main picture: Redstart at Loch Garten

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

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