A major chunk of the Scottish population lives in the lowlands between Ayrshire and west Lothian. But that's not to say they don't share the region with a wide range of exciting wildlife species. Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, forms the centrepiece of the area and is home to some of the world's oldest city parks, amny of them good for nature. Look out for otter, mink and kingfisher by the White Cart in Pollock Country Park, home of the Burrell Collection. Foxes and roe deer use the park woodlands, where an interesting variety of plants grows under a wonderful mixed bag of tree species. Also in Glasgow, enjoy the ample wildlife-watching opportunities along the Kelvin Walkway, Possil Marsh and Hogganfield Park (where no less than 115 species of bird have been recorded).

At the Falls of Clyde, part of the World Heritage Site at New Lanark, you can join bat and badger watching evening events throughout the summer, or see peregrine falcons from a special viewing facility. Walk trails through the woods to see many kinds of birds (such as five species of tit, several warblers, spotted flycatcher, great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl) and appreciate the stunning falls.

Situated within the Clyde-Muirshiel Regional Park, the RSPB reserve at Lochwinnoch is one of the few remaining wetland sites in west Scotland. The visitor centre, with its viewing tower and telescopes, gives good views over the marshland and loch, where in the winter you may see a wide variety of wildfowl and goosanders. In the spring, great crested grebes and lapwings can be seen displaying and sedge warblers can be heard singing in the marshland. The reserve is ideal for all the family, as the trails, birdwatching hides and visitor centre are easily accessible. A programme of events is run throughout the year.

Barons Haugh nature reserve contains a meadow, marshland, woodland and the River Clyde, making it valuable for wildlife. More than 170 species of birds have been recorded here. You may see kingfishers by the river and whooper swans on the flooded meadows (haugh) in the winter.