Wildlife explorers
It will perhaps be no surprise to know that the landscape all around is full of life, with fascinating wildlife encounters possible at almost every turn. Here’s our guide to some of the best ways to meet our wild neighbours.
Fisher kings
Fish-eating birds of prey, ospreys return from their West African wintering grounds to breed in Scotland from late March – with the quiet forests, lochs and rivers of the Tweed Valley providing ideal habitat. The long-running Tweed Valley Osprey Project has an osprey watch site in the Wild Watch nature centre at Glentress Peel, with nest cameras providing an intimate look at osprey life. The birds are live on camera from Easter until the end of August. If visiting, be sure to pick up a copy of the Tweed Valley Osprey Trail Map which highlights some of the best spots (and times) to see ospreys. If really lucky, you might even see an osprey pluck a meal from the river before your very eyes!
Salmon secrets
Head to the Philiphaugh Salmon Viewing Centre near Selkirk where interactive displays and live underwater cameras help interpret the life cycle of this remarkable fish. In season (May & June, or Sept to Nov), salmon can also be seen leaping up the nearby cauld on the last leg of their epic migration. Together with the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, Philiphaugh has also recently opened the UK mainland’s first ever golden eagle information point, housed in its Waterwheel Cafe.
Down by the river
Clean, clear and offering a variety of habitat, the River Tweed and its many tributaries are home to a wonderful array of life. Stroll along these special watercourses, take to the Tweed in an open canoe, or simply sit quietly for a while and you may see the blue blur of a kingfisher as it fizzes past, dippers bobbing on favourite rocks, herons standing motionless by the water’s edge, or trout idling in deep pools. And the ultimate prize? The elusive otter, now present along much of the river. Pure animal magic!
Into the forest
Between them, the seven forests of the Tweed Valley Forest Park teem with life, but you might have to tread softly to catch a glimpse of some of the shy creatures that inhabit them. Dusk or early mornings are good times to catch sight of a fox, badger, or roe deer – their white bottoms the only flaw in their superb camouflage. There are red squirrels here too. Just be sure to report any sightings to Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels which keeps track of populations of our only native squirrel. There are also butterflies in woodland clearings plus a whole array of birds, from dippers along the rivers to waxwings, woodpeckers, crossbills and owls in among the trees and buzzards perched on fence posts or meowing high overhead.
Trek with alpacas
Not wild as such, but definitely full of life. It’s hard to think of another animal quite as adorable as an alpaca. And here in the Tweed Valley you can not only meet a whole herd, but also go on a trek with them at Velvet Hall Alpacas – a memorable experience for all ages. Soak up the scenic splendour of the surrounding hills and woods while leading your own alpaca together with a knowledgeable guide. By the end, you will most definitely have made a very special new friend. And for couples who really fall for these delightful creatures, they can even serve as ring bearers at weddings!