Scotland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Aberdeenshire

Explore these places for wildlife in Aberdeenshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Forvie National Nature Reserve

Near Newburgh and Collieston, at opposite ends of the reserve.

Habitat: Coastal sand dunes, heathland and the tidal Ythan Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Eider, grey seal, Sandwich tern (spring–summer), Arctic tern (spring–summer).

02 / 05

Near Dinnet.

Habitat: Freshwater lochs surrounded by birch woodland, pine woodland and heath.
Wildlife to look for: Otter (elusive), goldeneye, redstart (spring–summer), whooper swan (winter).

03 / 05

Near Crimond, for the main entrance.

Habitat: A large freshwater dune loch bordered by reedbeds, marshes, grassland and coastal dunes.
Wildlife to look for: Pink-footed goose (autumn–winter), whooper swan (winter), greylag goose (especially autumn–winter).

04 / 05

Near Inverey, near Braemar.

Habitat: Caledonian pinewoods, heather moorland, wetlands and high mountain plateaux.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer, red squirrel, golden eagle, black grouse.

05 / 05

Near Gight, near Methlick.

Habitat: Ancient woodland on steep slopes above the River Ythan.
Wildlife to look for: Pine marten (elusive), badger (mainly nocturnal), red fox (often most active around dusk and dawn).