The Treshnish Isles, off the South West Coast of Mull are a wildlife sanctuary. Cliff and burrow-nesting seabirds, and wintering wildfowl are particular highlights.
Wildlife Hotspots in Moidart, Ardnamurchan, Morvern, Arisaig and Mallaig
Moidart and the surrounding areas of Morar, Morvern and Ardnamurchan form part of the larger region of Lochaber which includes the Ben Nevis range to the south. Lochaber is one of the most geological and biological diverse regions in Scotland, supporting a rich fauna and flora, with many species and habitats of national and international importance.
The complex geology of Lochaber (Tertiary igneous rocks and Caledonian metamorphic and igneous rocks) supports a myriad of habitats ranging from moorland and heathland, to altantic oakwood to pine and alluvial forest, to machair and complex sand dune systems, to salt marsh, mudflats and coastal shingle and exposed rocky shores, not to mention the open seas.
The Lochaber area (including Moidart, Morar, Morvern and Ardnamurchan) is renowned for the diversity of it's wildlife, including many of the iconic species of Scotland, such as red squirrel, pine marten, wild cat, red deer, badger, golden eagle, raven, ptarmigan, corncrake, hen harrier and peregrine falcon on land; otter, osprey, sea eagle, black-throated diver and common scoter associated with freshwater rivers and lochs; and bottlenose dolphin, Risso’ dolphin, harbour porpoise, basking shark, minke whale and orca in the seas.
An insight into the range of habitats and species assemblages, including character and rare species, can be found in the associated pages.
Grab your binoculars and field guides and explore the lochs, mountains and coasts of one of the best wildlife destinations in the UK. You will not be disappointed.
Ardnamurchan Point is the most westerly point on the British mainland and is a good place to spot cetaceans.
The fabulous white sand beaches of Sanna and Portuairk on the Ardnamurchan peninsula provide amazing views of Adnamurchan Point and The Small Isles.
A RSPB reserve in the Ardnamurchan peninsula comprising of ancient oak woodland on the north shore of Loch Sunart
Cul na Croise is a fine example of a rare acidic dune system with a range of dune grassland and good dune heath being particulary notable for its transition from dune to semi-natural woodland.
Kentra Moss SSSI is a fine example of blanket bog and together with Claish Moss forms a Special Area of Conservation.
The Ardtornish Wildlife Hide is situated in a magical spot at the top of Loch Aline; a great spot to watch for otters and a variety of coastal birds.
Glen Beasdale is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) representing an coastal old sessile oak wood with holly on acid soils. The area also includes some open areas of acid heath, small areas of humid grassland and bog, and coastal cliffs with shingle and sandy beaches.
The Rahoy Hills is a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve and supports a range of habitat types including ancient woodland, mountain, heath and lochan.
Claish Moss, a former National Nature Reserve, is one of Scotland’s finest and unusual raised bogs, with hummocks of the woolly hair moss and fourteen species of Sphagnum.
Glencripesdale, former National Nature Reserve, on the shores of Loch Sunart in Ardnamurchan includes Atlantic oak woodland, shoreline, heaths and moorland.
The Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide provides an ideal spot to search for otters and common seals in the loch and on the shores of Loch Sunart. A range of waders, ducks and seabirds can also be seen from the hide, depending on season and, occasionally, golden and white-tailed eagles.
A fine example of Atlantic Oak woodland and a National Nature Reserve near Strontian, Sunart, Ardnamurchan.
A small reserve on the shores of Loch Arkaig managed for the rare Chequered Skipper butterfly.