One of the main reasons why visitors come to Scotland is the wildlife. Red deer are found in the mountains and in summer they go high up to feed, but the smaller roe deer can be seen grazing in woodlands at dawn and dusk. Birdlife in Scotland is varied, from the small lark soaring singing above the crops to the hen harrier hovering above her prey. The seas are as rich as the lands, with grey seals and common seals close to the shore, and dolphins, whales and basking sharks further out. Many Thistle Holiday Parks are in the countryside, which means that you don’t need to go far to spot wildlife. Here are some parks which are great for wildlife-spotting.
Blair Castle Caravan Park in Highland Perthshire sits in the middle of a large estate which has mountains, moorland and forest, with trails for walkers and cyclists. You don’t need to go far to see wildlife – in spring each year oyster-catchers nest right outside the reception building. Nearby are red squirrels, roe deer and many varieties of birds, including hen harriers and eagles. On the estate are red deer and grouse – in spring the lek takes place, which is the dawn gathering of black grouse.
Tantallon Caravan Park in the seaside town of North Berwick east of Edinburgh is in a unique position, because from the harbour you can take a boat trip to the Bass Rock, a rocky island in the Firth of Forth. It is home to the largest colony of gannets in the world, as well as guillemots and razorbills, and grey seals. In North Berwick is the Seabird Centre, where, thanks to the webcams, you can watch the birds and seals up close.
In the south west of Scotland is Loch Ken Holiday Park on the shores of a large loch and part of the Red Kite Trail; walk just 1 km to reach an elevated viewpoint from which you can see for miles around and watch red kites. A short drive away is a feeding station for red kites, where many gather together every day. Other birds to watch out for here are the nuthatch, great-spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, sparrow-hawk, barn owl, red grouse, black grouse, graylag, heron and many more.
Judith Sleigh
– Tourism Expert
Zusätzliche Informationen
- Webseite von Camping
Fotocredits: Lorne Gill / Scottish Natural Heritage
