Wildlife

Fiadh-bheatha

Ospreys and oystercatchers, bog myrtle and butterwort, wild boar and wildcats... Not only is the Great Glen rich in cultural history, the natural history here is second to none. As you make your way along the Glen, prepare to be astounded by the wealth of wildlife that soars in the sky above you and scoots on the ground in front of you.

Big Ten in the Great Glen!

Here are the top ten creatures for you to keep an eye out for in the Glen, as chosen by the Rangers. Simply click on the pictures for more information!

What can you spot?

Monitoring the biodiversity in the Glen is a vital part of the Rangers' job, and YOU can help! We're really interested in any wildlife sightings you may have during your time here. Please contact us for a Wildlife Card (pdf, 413kb), or download one here to use during your trip. Then simply post it back to us, free of charge!

Need a little help?

We have also produced some free Spotter's Guides for you to download and print, if you need a little help along the way. We hope these will help you identify the most common native plants, trees and creatures as you travel. We hope to entertain as well as educate, so have also included a variety of translations, myths and folklore from the Highlands and beyond.

Plants and Flowers (pdf, 2.10mb)

Native Trees and Shrubs (pdf, 2.26mb)

Land, Air and Water Life (pdf, 4.39mb)

Illustrations are mainly courtesy of the RSPB, Woodland Trust and a variety of smaller websites. Please get in touch with the Rangers for more details.

Midges, ticks and boar

Along with the fluffy, cute types of wildlife in Scotland, there are unfortunately a few less pleasant creatures that you may encounter. However, as long as you are prepared then they will not ruin your visit!

Please click on the links below for our free information and advice sheets. These are also to be found printed in our free Accommodation and Services Guide, available from the Rangers.

Cloudspotting Guide (pdf, 2.14mb) or guide to What to see on the Ways (pdf, 2.53mb), then please click see our What to See webpage.