Category Archives: National Nature Reserves

Spectacular autumn in Scotland

Posted on October 16, 2020 by

Today we’re highlighting some of amazing wildlife spectacles you can see in Scotland in autumn, including the fierce deer rut, thousands of migrating geese and much more. Of course, many of us aren’t able to get out and about to … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, Birds, deer, mushrooms, National Nature Reserves | Tagged , , , ,

Dirty camping

Posted on July 31, 2020 by

Today’s blog is written by Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) Manager, Catriona Reid, who’s had her hands full since she’s been able to get back on the reserve a few weeks ago, once restrictions lifted. It sounds idyllic, … Continue reading →

Posted in Access, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, National Nature Reserves, SNH | Tagged , , , , , ,

I’ll Walk 500 Miles

Posted on July 17, 2020 by

It’s 5am and time for Yvonne Ferguson to rise and take her Border collie, Jess, out for a walk before she sets out from Collieston, 15 miles north of Aberdeen to Newburgh, walking four miles across the wide expanse of … Continue reading →

Posted in Access, active travel, Forvie NNR, National Nature Reserves, photography, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

The wasp and the ladybird

Posted on July 15, 2020 by

Photographer in residence at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Pauline Smith, not only takes awesome wildlife photos, she writes fascinating blog posts too! Today she looks at the intricate adaptations and evolution of mind and body-controlling parasites, through the very … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, gardens, Insects, National Nature Reserves, photography, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

The seabirds of Hermaness

Posted on July 9, 2020 by

In today’s guest blog, former warden Mike Pennington reflects on a long association with Hermaness National Nature Reserve, the changes he has observed over the years and the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on this special place. I first came … Continue reading →

Posted in National Nature Reserves | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Marvellous Mining Bees

Posted on July 7, 2020 by

The discovery of mining bees in Simon Ritchie‘s parents’ garden inspired him to read-up on these scarce burrowing insects. There are more than 1,300 species of mining bee around the world. However, only a fraction of these species are known … Continue reading →

Posted in bees, gardens, Insects, National Nature Reserves, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week with the Loch Leven Volunteers

Posted on June 4, 2020 by

In our second blog paying homage to all volunteers during Volunteers’ Week, Chris Boyce, our student Placement at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR), explains some of the benefits of volunteering. There are two main roles for people volunteering for … Continue reading →

Posted in National Nature Reserves, Volunteering

Why we should love dandelions!

Posted on May 11, 2020 by

The dandelion is not much loved. But Therese Alampo, Manager of St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, is here to tell us the many reasons we should appreciate these cheery, early spring flowers… The humble dandelion is one of the first … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, Flowers, gardens, National Nature Reserves, photography, plants, Scottish Natural Heritage, SNH, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Uncategorized, wild flowers | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Forvie’s wintering twite

Posted on April 21, 2020 by

Today we welcome back guest blogger and ace photographer Ron Macdonald, who takes us on a virtual tour through the dunes of South Forvie, where we encounter one of the reserve’s lesser-known inhabitants.… Come with me today, as we take … Continue reading →

Posted in beach, beaches, Birds, coastal, Forvie NNR, National Nature Reserves, photography, SNH, Uncategorized, Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

#YCW2020 – Take a dose of nature’s medicine at Tentsmuir

Posted on February 26, 2020 by

Tentsmuir NNR is a magical coastal reserve, with dynamic dunes and a vast foreshore that looks different at every visit.  The reserve includes Morton Lochs – inland lochs which provide great habitat for a range of birds, butterflies and red … Continue reading →

Posted in beach, beaches, coastal, coastal erosion, Community engagement, National Nature Reserves, Natural Health Service, Scottish Natural Heritage, sea life, SNH, Uncategorized, Year of Coasts and Waters, Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, Young people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,