HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Abernethy Forest
The most extensive native Scots pine wood in Britain. A unique combination of
woodland and northern bog, with a great variety of trees and habitats for rare northern birds and insects.

Location: 1 mile from Nethybridge, 9 miles from Aviemore (nearest train station).

Animals: Capercaillie, crossbill, osprey, red squirrel, crested tit, common goldeneye, wood ants.

Opening times: Easter to October 11am - 4pm. Closed: Monday and Tuesday.

Facilities: Visitor Centre, Nethybridge. RSPB visitor facilities including osprey viewing in season at Loch Garten. Ranger Service. Organised tours. Toilets. Parking.

Contact: Community Visitor Centre, Nethybridge, Inverness-shire PH25 3DA. Tel: 01479 810477.


Glenmore Forest Park
This woodland was the second Forest Park created by the Forestry Commission back in 1948, and remains its most northerly. Glenmore holds one of the few remaining pockets of ancient Caledonian Pinewood in Scotland. Major work is underway to preserve and expand this important habitat for future generations.

Location: 7 miles east of Aviemore.

Animals: Red squirrel, red deer, roe deer, otter, capercaille, osprey, crossbill, pine marten, wildcat, mountain hare, salmon.

Facilities: Visitor centre. Refreshments. Shop. Information points. Ranger service. Toilets. Parking. Disabled facilities.

Contact: Glenmore Forest Park, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, Scotland, PH22 1QU. Tel: (01479) 861220


Balranald
The Balranald RSPB Reserve is situated on the west coast of North Uist. It is composed of a rich mosaic of habitats: rocky headlands, sandy bays, dunes, machair, grassland, marshes and lochs. Mostly set on machair lands, this reserve is a haven for waders and seabirds as well as some beautiful carpet machair flowers.

Location: 3 miles north of Bayhead, North Uist. Turn for Hougharry off the A865.

Animals: Balranald is famous for its corncrakes, now one of Europe's most endangered species, whose last stronghold is the Scottish Islands.

Opening Times: April to August, 9am-6pm.

Facilities: Visitor centre. Nature trails with guided walks available. Disabled access. Pushchair/buggy access. Toilets. Parking.

Contact: RSPB, NSRO, Etive House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW, Tel: 01463 715000