Glenborrodale

Glenborrodale sits on the shore of Loch Sunart, a gem of Scotland’s west coast. Home to Wood Warblers, Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers, this is an ideal spot for highland walks and birdwatching. Embark on a guided walk and you might be lucky enough to see an otter or a seal frolicking along the shore.

A mix of woodland, upland and coastal habitats, Glenborrodale is home to a whole host of wildlife. There’s rare moss, liverwort, lichen and fern; otter, Pine Marten and wildcat; and, of course, birds. Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit, Whinchat, and Raven all call the reserve home. Glenborrodale is buzzing with interesting insects too, including Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Chequered Skipper and Purple Hairstreak Butterflies, Keeled Skimmer, and Violet Oil Beetle to name a few.

We manage the reserve for the benefit of the wildlife that lives here. This mostly involves looking after the internationally important oak woodland, encouraging tree regeneration to make sure it stays healthy and sticks around for many years to come. We try to limit the impact of hungry native deer on the woodland – population control is carried out with the help of local professional stalkers.

To create the right woodland mix, we are cutting back invasive Rhododendron to help native habitat thrive. We also cut bracken so that bugles, violets and Bluebells can grow on the warm, sunny slopes at the heart of the reserve, providing food for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly.

Weekly guided walks run through the summer months. Charges apply. For more details email glenborrodale@rspb.org.uk