Features
Caledonian Forest
Scotland's ancient Caledonian pinewood forests once spread across thousands of kilometers of the Highlands. They now remain at just 84 sites and cover 180 km2 in the north and west. However, the forests aren't just Scots pine rich. Juniper, birch, willow, rowan and aspen trees are all native pinewood forest species. The forests are ideal habitat for a vast number of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to Scotland and rely upon the Caledonian forests for their survival. Click on the link to read Graham Holliday's feature on the Caledonian pine forests.
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Sea Eagles in Scotland
Britain’s largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle or sea eagle, is a magnificent, if rare, sight in the wilder reaches of western Scotland. This massive bird, the world’s fourth largest eagle, with a wingspan stretching 8 feet across, became extinct in Britain in 1918. Laws were changed during the 1950’s, which helped pave the way for two early attempts at reintroduction in Scotland. A full-scale reintroduction programme got underway on the island of Rum off the west coast of Scotland in 1975 with 82 birds taken from Norway. To find out about the re-introduction of Sea Eagles to Scotland and where the best places are to see them, read the full Graham Holliday article by clicking on the link below:
Click to read the full feature: Sea Eagles
Birdwatching
The early months of the year continue to be good for birds. The RSPB’s Insh Marshes reserve, a mile and a half from Kingussie in the Spey valley is one of over 50 of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. It is also one of the best places to see a variety of birds this winter. Click below to read Graham Holliday's feature on birdwatching.
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Scotland in Summertime
Beginning in July the number of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scottish waters begins to swell. Hebridean waters in particular play host to a wide range of species. Britain's largest fish, the basking shark, is one of the more impressive sights around Scotland's coast. Sightings of this shark, which can grow up to 12 metres in length, have increased by 65% in Scotland since 2001. Click on the link to read Graham Holliday's feature on Scotland in summertime.
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Scotland - Seabird Central
From the northern Shetland Islands to the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick, Scotland is packed with prime real estate for sea birds. Every spring pairs of guillemots, gannets, razorbills and puffins eagerly snap up a precarious cliff ledge perch from the thousands that line the coast. Follow this link to read Graham Holliday's feature on Scotland's seabirds.
Click to read the full feature: Seabirds
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