Scotland · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Moray
Explore these places for wildlife in Moray. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Loch Spynie
Near Elgin
- Habitat
- A shallow freshwater loch is surrounded by reedbeds, wet woodland and fen.
- Wildlife to look for
- Osprey (spring–summer), whooper swan (autumn–winter), water rail (often heard rather than seen), red squirrel, otter (elusive).
02 / 05
Findhorn Bay Local Nature Reserve
Near Findhorn and Kinloss
- Habitat
- A sheltered tidal basin contains mudflats, sandflats and saltmarsh.
- Wildlife to look for
- Pink-footed goose (autumn–winter), osprey (spring–summer), bar-tailed godwit (mainly autumn–winter), grey heron. Local conservation
03 / 05
Culbin Sands — eastern Moray section
Near Findhorn, with woodland access also available near Kintessack
- Habitat
- Coastal dunes, shingle, saltmarsh and intertidal flats form a varied shoreline.
- Wildlife to look for
- Oystercatcher, bar-tailed godwit (mainly autumn–winter), knot (mainly autumn–winter), long-tailed duck (winter, offshore).
04 / 05
Spey Bay — Kingston and the Lein, on the Moray side of the River Spey
Near Kingston
- Habitat
- Shingle, grassland and woodland border the mouth of the River Spey.
- Wildlife to look for
- Small blue butterfly (late spring–early summer), dingy skipper butterfly (spring–early summer), osprey (spring–summer), otter (elusive).
05 / 05
Millbuies Country Park
Near Fogwatt
- Habitat
- Mixed woodland surrounds small lochs and their feeder streams.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, roe deer, badger (mainly nocturnal), tufted duck.