Wildlife and trees

What can you spot?
 
Red squirrel
Rare red squirrels are easy to spot with their tufty ears and russet coats. Most prominent in the winter months, the best time to watch them is morning or late afternoon.
 
 
Golden eagle
Look up and see golden eagles soaring majestically overhead before suddenly diving to catch their prey. Some golden eagles have a wingspan of up to 2 metres.
 
 
Wood sorrel
As you explore the woodland trails, you're likely to come across a charming little plant with three heart shaped leaves that droop and close at night. Its nickname is 'sleeping beauty' but its real name is wood sorrel, a plant known for its white flowers – each with five petals, tiny purple veins and a sharp lemony taste.
 
 
Want to learn more about the wildlife here? Book onto a Forest Ranger experience and discover all the secrets of the forest!
Wildlife at Argyll
Trees you'll find in the forest
 
Bird Cherry
The almond-scented bird cherry blossom brings nectar-loving animals flocking in springtime. Like wild cherry, the flowers feed birds, bees and lots of other animals, including badgers and mice. Moth caterpillars particularly love the foliage too!
 
 
Scots pine
Scots pine is one of only three native conifers, and our only native pine... plus it's Scotland's national tree. You'll spot this all-year round as its needle-like leaves are evergreen. It’s the perfect habitat for iconic Scottish wildlife such as the red squirrel, as well as animals like the pine marten and Scottish wildcat. Scots pines in southern England are also the main caterpillar foodplant for the pine hawk-moth.
 
 
Sitka spruce
With needle-like leaves that are sharp, straight and flattened, the Sitka Sprice is much more prickly than the similar Norway spruce. Sitka spruce trees grow close together, forming a dense canopy which few plants can grow beneath. This dense foliage provides cover from the wind and rain for larger mammals, while birds of prey and smaller birds, such as crossbill, tree creeper, coal tit and siskin, can use it for nesting.
Trees at Argyll

We’re more than just a holiday

Nestled within inspiring natural spaces, we offer a unique way to experience and enjoy the UK’s forests, helping you experience and reconnect with nature.

We look after the land we love for us all, protecting wildlife and helping to preserve the forest for the future. By putting nature centre-stage, we give you the best of the outdoors. A sense of freedom and a unique experience, where you feel connected to the forest and to each other. Because you don’t just visit the forest, you really feel it.

And once you’ve found that Forest Feeling, you’ll never let it go.

Let's look after what we love

Help to care for the wildlife around you in small, but important ways. You'll find it's as good for you as it is for nature!

Give nature a helping hand by....

  • Creating habitat piles using old logs and branches
  • Picking up any litter you see – the forest and wildlife will thank you for it
  • Turning off the lights when they’re not in use to reduce energy use
  • Using the bins provided to separate your waste and recycle properly
Supporting the forest