Wildlife & NATURE

The sharp contrast between the Lowland and Highland landscapes is always evident in the Trossachs, sharply reflected in the diversity of wildlife. Magnificent golden eagle, red kite, and – monarch of the glens – the proudly antlered red deer stag, co-exist with much gentler creatures – roe deer, red squirrels, pine martens, otters and water voles, to name but a few. Autumn brings salmon upstream to spawn and in winter, lochs and rivers are home to flocks of visiting geese, swans and wildfowl, while in summer they come alive with osprey from Africa preying on their abundant fish. 

Wildlife Highlights in the Trossachs

You may be lucky enough to see an osprey fishing on Loch Katrine or the Lake of Menteith. At the Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle you can view ospreys via an Osprey cam.

There is a large RSPB reserve at Inversnaid. Other birds that you are likely to see include woodpeckers, golden eagles and bullfinches.

Close to Doune is Argaty Red Kites, with viewing hides to not only see the birds, but red squirrels. Endangered Red Squirrels are making a comeback. There is also a hide to view them at the Lodge Visitor Centre just outside of Aberfoyle.

Travelling around the Trossachs you will see fields of Highland Cows. They can often be found grazing by the banks of Loch Achray.

Other animals that you are likely to see include red and roe deer, otters, pine martins and wild goats. In the lochs are pike, trout, salmon and brown trout.

The Great Trossachs Forest

The Great Trossachs Forest is the second largest National Nature Reserve in Britain, with a new forest of over 2.5 million native trees, covering the size of Glasgow. A 200 year project to improve the eco system, to the benefit of the plants and wildlife.

Flanders Moss

The Trossachs Trail also includes Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve, located close to the village of Thornhill. This is an ancient and unchanged wild landscape. In spring listen for the first cuckoo, in the summer walk along the boardwalk and see the fluffy white cotton grass. Spot unique flora, birds and insects.

Read more

Click HERE to visit the Friends of Loch Lomond website for more the nature of the Trossachs.