Scotland is renowned for its stunning landscape and fascinating wildlife … but of the thousands of miles of land and many nature reserves and sites for viewing wildlife where do you start? Use our map to browse and filter the many Scottish nature reserves, attractions and facilities available.

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Wildlife Watching Tours and Trips

Often the best way to get close to those must-see species is to enlist the help of a local expert, whether on foot, boat or four-wheeled safari! Boat trips range from one hour trips to view local seal colonies, day trips for whale watching through to week long live-aboard cruises calling at a variety of destinations including St. Kilda, the Western Isles and Orkney.

Wildlife Sites, Nature Reserves and Visitor Attractions

There is a huge range of sites for viewing wildlife in Scotland ranging from fully manned visitor centres with interactive displays to isolated hides on little known reserves. Also listed are a selection of visitor attractions that offer an alternative day out for wildlife enthusiasts whatever their age. Larger sites offer events and ranger led experiences.

Find out more before your holiday:

Scottish and UK Wildlife Organisations

A comprehensive listing of organisations concerned with conservation, natural history and wildlife education in Scotland and the UK. Includes regional Scottish groups and societies. Interests covered include mammals, birds, botany, cetaceans and insects.

Wildlife Surveys and Monitoring Projects

If you are a visitor to the area, or a resident, there are a wide range of monitoring projects that you can assist with. Some require little specialist knowledge, and they all help to build your experience and interest in wildlife ranging from spotting jellyfish to juniper and peregrines to polecats.

Wildlife for Children

Links to a wide variety of online wildlife activities for children. Includes interactive games and puzzles, colouring sheets, identification guides and awards to work towards. Also a list of organisations which provide specific childrens events and membership categories.

Online Wildlife Identification Guides

There are a growing number of wildlife guides available to search or browse on the internet provided by national organisations as well as experienced individuals. Includes moths, trees, birds and lichens and many more British wildlife species.