Scotland · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Midlothian

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

01 / 05

Roslin Glen

Near Roslin

Habitat: Ancient broadleaved woodland fills a steep glen beside the River North Esk.
Wildlife to look for: Nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker.

02 / 05

Near Duddingston, Edinburgh

Habitat: A freshwater loch is bordered by reedbeds, wetland, scrub and mixed woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Grey heron, great crested grebe, tufted duck, sedge warbler (spring–summer).
Access note: Access to the enclosed Bawsinch reserve requires prior arrangement; the loch can also be viewed from its public northern shore.

03 / 05

Near Cousland

Habitat: Scrub, grassland and broadleaved woodland occupy a sheltered valley.
Wildlife to look for: Tree sparrow, blackcap (mainly spring–summer), willow warbler (spring–summer), chiffchaff (mainly spring–summer).

04 / 05

Near Edinburgh, at Fairmilehead

Habitat: Mature broadleaved woodland grows on the northern edge of the Pentland Hills.
Wildlife to look for: Nuthatch, jay, treecreeper, common pipistrelle bat (warm evenings around dusk).

05 / 05

Near Balerno

Habitat: A lowland raised bog contains sphagnum moss, heather and pools, with woodland around its margins.
Wildlife to look for: Common lizard (warmer months), common frog (especially spring), willow warbler (spring–summer).