Scotland · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Buteshire
Explore these places for wildlife in Buteshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Lamlash Bay No Take Zone — marine protected area
Near Lamlash, Isle of Arran.
- Habitat
- Sheltered coastal waters contain rocky seabed, sediment and marine vegetation.
- Wildlife to look for
- European lobster, brown crab, velvet swimming crab, king scallop; these are underwater species.
02 / 05
Brodick Castle Country Park — country park
Near Brodick, Isle of Arran.
- Habitat
- Mixed woodland, gardens and coastal ground surround Brodick Castle.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, song thrush, harbour seal along the shore.
03 / 05
Goatfell — National Trust for Scotland conservation property
Near Corrie; Brodick is another main starting point.
- Habitat
- Granite mountains rise above heather moorland, blanket bog and glacial valleys.
- Wildlife to look for
- Golden eagle, buzzard, emperor moth (spring–early summer).
04 / 05
Kirk Dam — wetland wildlife site
Near Rothesay, Isle of Bute.
- Habitat
- A small freshwater loch is fringed by extensive reedbeds and marsh.
- Wildlife to look for
- Water rail, whooper swan (winter), goldeneye (winter), sedge warbler (spring–summer). Official
05 / 05
Loch Quien — wetland wildlife site
Near Kingarth, Isle of Bute.
- Habitat
- A freshwater loch has reed-fringed shallows, adjoining farmland and deciduous woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Tufted duck, great crested grebe (especially spring–summer), whooper swan (winter), goldeneye (winter). Official