Situated in Scotland's south west but containing the best aspects of the country's highland and lowland scenery and habitats, Ayrshire and Arran have much to offer lovers of wildlife. All the Clyde islands (and there are many) are alive with nature but the Isle of Arran (often referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature') has some large-scale contrasts. Explore paths through the northern glens for a chance of red deer and Scotland's southernmost ptarmigan or head along the coast to search for seals or indeed basking sharks. Then take a ranger-led tour of Brodick Castle's leafy grounds where you are likely to encounter red squirrels.

On Arran, heron, mallard, shelduck, merganser and eider are present all year round, joined in the winter months by widgoen, golden eye and teal. In the northern mountains golden eagles can be seen in flight, sharing the air space with buzzards, peregrines, kestrels, hen harriers and sparrowhawks.

Alternatively, take drive down the scenic Ayrshire coast and board a boat to remarkable Ailsa Craig, home to thousands of gannets (and a small number of puffins) each summer.

Airds Moss in East Ayrshire is an important ornithological site hosting many moorland species such as hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, red grouse, black grouse, golden plover, dunlin, curlew and short-eared owl. In the farmland, scrub and wetland to the west you can also see skylarks, tree pipit, lesser redpoll, stonechat, whinchat, wheatear, crossbill, cuckoo, reed bunting and in winter thrushes, finches, ducks and swans. Great grey shrike has been sighted here on its migratory route.

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