Scotland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Inverness-shire

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

01 / 05

Glen Affric National Nature Reserve

Near Cannich

Habitat: Ancient Caledonian pinewoods, freshwater lochs and mountain moorland fill a broad Highland glen.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel, pine marten (elusive), red deer, golden eagle.

02 / 05

Near Aberarder, near Kinlochlaggan

Habitat: Birch woodland rises through moorland to rocky corries and an exposed mountain plateau.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer, mountain hare, ptarmigan (higher slopes), golden eagle.

03 / 05

Near Ruthven, near Kingussie

Habitat: Floodplain marshes, wet grassland and pools spread alongside the River Spey.
Wildlife to look for: Curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe (all especially associated with the spring–summer breeding season).

04 / 05

Near Kinloch, Isle of Rùm

Habitat: Rugged mountains, moorland, peat bogs and sea cliffs dominate this island reserve.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer (autumn rut), golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, Manx shearwater (spring–summer; visits nesting colonies at night), otter (elusive).

05 / 05

Near Roybridge

Habitat: Upland grassland and heath cover a glen marked by ancient glacial shorelines.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer, raven, buzzard, golden eagle (occasional).