Nature in the Cairngorms National Park

By silverglades on February 5, 2023

Discover for yourself the magic of the wildlife in this unique area

The popularity  of BBC nature series  Springwatch has sparked a deeper interest in seeing our native wildlife. The Cairngorms National Park is known for its special flora and fauna, ancient pine forrest  and diverse selection of wildlife species. The Cairngorms National Park is a stronghold for many rare and endangered species, living in some our most natural landscapes.

If you have a love of nature and have been inspired to see some of the amazing wildlife like Golden Eagles soaring over the mountain peaks, herds of Red Deer sweeping across the skyline, viewing Red Squirrel and Pine Marten in the ancient Caledonian pine forrest, admiring the delicate Twinflower, or just the ability to experience a huge variety of species within a few days of your visit, then this is the place for you.

To help you plan your visit we have put a list of just a few of the amazing places close to our properties where you can see wildlife. If you are new to nature watching or just want to ensure you have the best opportunity to see wildlife with an expert guide. Speyside Wildlife have experienced and enthusiastic guides,' whether you are a beginner or more experienced, young or old, they are happy to take time so you can enjoy the wildlife. Why not try their Evening Mammal Watching or Badger Photography  our guests get a special  10% discount .

If you want to combine a holiday or short break in a place that offers all this plus luxury accommodation, shops, bars, restaurants  and a wide selection of other Outdoor Activities then look no further than Aviemore and the Cairmgorms National Park.

After booking your accommodation you can start planning what you want to see. Below are a few suggestions on places we think you might like to visit during your nature stay.

• Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is just a 15 minute walk away from Silverglades. At Craigellachie you can to spot the Peregrine Falcons, which regularly nest here from April to July. Getting there.

•  Rothiemurchus Osprey Photographers. For the “natural” shot enjoy our guided, early morning and evening photographic trips to our carefully designed loch side hides within the Fishery to experience Ospreys coming in to fish.

• Loch Morlich where you can visit Britain’s only wild herd of reindeer during summer at the Glenmore Forest Park or join one of the local guided walks to see Ptarmigan and other mountain wildlife.

• Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, has the largest native Scots pinewood in Britain with a  habitat provided by the ancient ‘granny pines,’ with a wealth of wildlife  from tiny insects to pine martens and has been home to the BBC Winterwatch, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
  
• Loch Garten Is known for viewing Osprey between April and August on their treetop nest. The rare Capercaillie can also be seen here just after sunrise during April and May. Scottish specialities such as Scottish Crossbill and Crested Tit can be seen throughout the year in the forest nearby.
  
• Insh Marshes  National Nature Reserve is just south of Aviemore near Kingussie. This is one of Europe’s most important wetlands where you’re likely to see lapwings, redshanks and curlews as well as oystercatchers, snipe and, in the winter, vast flocks of whooper swans and greylag geese.
  
• Falls of Truim just south of Newtonmore, which are a great spot for salmon watching.
  
• Highland Wildlife Park If you want to be sure to see Scottish wildlife from the warmth of your car or on a short walk. Take a trip to the wildlife park at Kincraig to see Scottish wildlife, past and present, including wolves, bison, otters, wildcats and more.