Scotland · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Selkirkshire
Explore these places for wildlife in Selkirkshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Glenkinnon Burn — woodland wildlife site
Near Ashiestiel, near Clovenfords.
- Habitat
- Ancient woodland follows a sheltered burn through a steep-sided valley.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, great spotted woodpecker, redstart (spring–summer), pied flycatcher (spring–summer).
02 / 05
Thornielee Forest — forest wildlife site
Near Thornielee, near Clovenfords.
- Habitat
- Forest surrounds sunny grassy slopes and flower-rich clearings above the River Tweed.
- Wildlife to look for
- Northern brown argus butterfly (mainly June–July), small copper butterfly (late spring–summer), common blue butterfly (summer).
03 / 05
Bowhill Estate — estate wildlife site
Near Selkirk.
- Habitat
- Mature woodland, freshwater lochs and riverside habitats form a varied wooded estate.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, kingfisher, dipper, goldeneye (winter).
04 / 05
Ettrick Marshes — community conservation site
Near Tushielaw.
- Habitat
- Floodplain woodland, wet grassland and marshes border the River Ettrick.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, dipper, otter (elusive), osprey (spring–summer, occasional).
05 / 05
Philiphaugh Estate — estate wildlife site
Near Selkirk.
- Habitat
- Riverside woodland and open fields surround the flowing waters of the Ettrick.
- Wildlife to look for
- Kingfisher, roe deer, otter (elusive), Atlantic salmon (autumn is a good time to watch for leaping fish).