Wildlife & Landscape
We could wax lyrical about the abundant wildlife to be seen in the area, suffice to say there is something for all.
In the garden...
Being in the heart of Knapdale Forest, we have a variety of visitors to our garden:
• daily visitors:
birds: blackbird, blue tit, chaffinch, great tit, greenfinch, robin, siskin, thrush; swallows return to rear their young every spring
animals: bats, red squirrel, shrew
• less frequent visitors:
birds: goldfinch, tawny owl, tree creeper, pied wagtail, woodpecker (greater spotted), wren
animals: badger, wood mouse
These photographs were taken in the garden (obviously they are not to scale!!).....
In Knapdale Forest...
Within a five mile radius of Achnamara you are guaranteed to see a variety of wildlife. Naturally some species are more elusive than others, but sightings are always possible!
• potential sightings:
birds: numerous species as seen in the garden (above) plus many more including buzzard, grey wagtail, long-tailed tit
animals: red deer, roe deer
• more elusive:
birds: hen harrier, woodpecker
fox, mink, pine marten
Beavers
Following a period of public consultation, The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) were granted a licence by the Scottish Government for a trial reintroduction of European beavers in Scotland. In May 2009 a five year controlled trial began with the re-homing of four families of Norwegian beavers in Knapdale Forest.
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After a period of settling in and adapting to their new environment, it will be possible for the public to view them in the wild. As responsible service providers, we intend to work with the trial organisers to arrange such viewings for our guests at the appropriate time. |
If this is of interest, you can keep abreast of developments by:
1. Registering your e-mail address with us and we will e-mail you updates
2. Access The Scottish Wildlife Trust website from home at: http://www.swt.org.uk/
3. Access The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland website from home at:
http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/news-and-events/news/Beavers/index.html
Around Loch Sween...
In and around Loch Sween there is much to be seen...
• potential sightings:
birds: heron, oyster catcher, sandpiper, shag, swan
animals: bats, common seal, grey seal
• more elusive:
osprey, otter
Nature Reserves...
We are fortunate to have two protected nature reserves within ten miles, both managed by Scottish Natural Heritage.
• Moine Mhor – “The Great Moss” began to form over 5,000 years ago and is now home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is effectively its own ecosystem supporting rare insects and beautiful butterflies and dragonflies. For the bird enthusiast, hen harriers are often sighted and some amazing displays are to be witnessed as birds of prey dive down from upon high.
• Taynish National Nature Reserve – “Oakwoods on a hidden peninsula” has been a protected area for over thirty years, where indigenous species are encouraged. The peninsula has shoreline, grassland, scrub, bog, heath, and woodland and includes a variety of mosses and lichens.
Further afield...
Within a fifteen mile radius of Achnamara is a wide variety of landscape incorporating open sea, sea lochs, fresh water lochs, canal, forest, field, hill and moorland. This naturally supports a diverse, wide ranging number of different species. Depending on the season, weather, time of day, vantage point – and a large slice of luck – you might just catch a glimpse of any of the following:
• in the air: golden eagle, white tailed sea eagle
• in the sea: basking shark, dolphin, minke whale, porpoise
Indulge in the beauty of this National Scenic Area where nature has crafted a feast for the senses...and it’s all free!
For further information try the following links:
• Scottish Natural Heritage:
- Moine Mhor NNR
- Taynish NNR
• Wild Scotland