Scotland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Kirkcudbrightshire

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

01 / 05

Mersehead

Near Caulkerbush

Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, saltmarsh, farmland and coastal dunes border the Solway Firth.
Wildlife to look for: Barnacle goose (autumn–winter), lapwing (especially spring–summer), natterjack toad (calling on mild spring–summer evenings), starling (winter roosts).

02 / 05

Near Castle Douglas

Habitat: Floodplain wetlands, marshes, grassland and woodland surround the River Dee.
Wildlife to look for: Osprey (spring–summer), red squirrel, otter (elusive), Greenland white-fronted goose (winter).

03 / 05

Near Gatehouse of Fleet, for the Dromore visitor entrance

Habitat: Heather moorland, blanket bog and exposed summit heath cover a granite upland.
Wildlife to look for: Red deer (autumn rut), feral goat, red grouse, peregrine falcon.

04 / 05

Near Gatehouse of Fleet

Habitat: Ancient broadleaved woodland dominated by oak clothes the Fleet Valley hillside.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel, roe deer, pied flycatcher (spring–summer), redstart (spring–summer), wood warbler (spring–summer).

05 / 05

Near Balmaclellan

Habitat: Two small lochs are surrounded by reeds, willow scrub, birch woodland, heath and bog.
Wildlife to look for: Willow tit, adder (warmer months), variable damselfly (late spring–summer).