Ancient Ruins
Loch Fleet is one of the few sea lochs of Scotland to reside on the east coast. Located just north of the town of Dornoch in Sutherland, the loch is designated as a National Nature Reserve and is the most northerly example of such in the country. It’s quite possibly one of the most diverse in terms of habitat too, with extensive areas of mudflats, saltmarsh, sand dunes and woodland. This therefore makes it ideal for wildlife and a variety of species can be found here.
Alongside the animals, Loch Fleet offers several other attractions for visitors. The south side of the loch is home to the ruins of Skelbo Castle – the remains of a 14th century keep that is now a protected monument. The area also boasts some fantastic examples of native woodland, with sections of pinewood and alder forests. There are well-maintained paths, several bird hides and picnic areas on offer for a chance to rest and make the most of nice weather. This makes Loch Fleet a reserve that caters well to its human visitors, as well as its wildlife residents.
Delightful Deer
One animal that is present in large numbers around Loch Fleet is the Roe Deer. Roe Deer can often be overlooked by wildlife watchers in Scotland, in part due to the species being smaller and less rare than the mountain-dwelling Red Deer. Despite this, sightings of Rose Deer can always brighten up a day and it can be a treat to be able to watch them grazing amongst the trees. Forested areas are often where they will be spotted during the day, as the species is quite timid and prefers to remain in cover. They will venture out into the open early in the morning and late into the evening, however.
Spring and summer are good times to see Roe Deer, especially as the months between May and August will provide opportunities to see young fawns. Young deer will sometimes be left hidden in undergrowth while the mother goes in search of food, so make sure not to disturb one if you come across it. As summer turns to autumn, Roe Deer enter the breeding season and males can be seen fighting over territory. They will occasionally use their antlers to flatten foliage and shovel soil, as a way of attracting a mate. Signs of this can be a great indication that Roe Deer are in the area and are something to keep an eye out for. Top tip for spotting Roe Deer at Loch Fleet: follow the paths that lead through the areas of forest surrounding the loch.
Floral Sights
Another reason to get amongst the trees on the reserve is the abundance of wildflowers. Rare species such as Twinflower, Creeping Lady’s-Tresses and Wintergreen can all be found in Loch Fleet’s woodlands. These will all bloom during the spring and summer and can make for beautiful scenes as they spring up between the trees. The wildflowers are not just confined to the forests, however, and more species will be present in other habitats on the reserve. Birds-Foot Trefoil and Wild Pansies grow among the sand dunes and bring a splash of colour to the beaches around the loch. The flowers attract a range of insects such as moths and butterflies, offering additional sights for visitors.
In and around the water, many wading birds and waterfowl can also be seen. The loch is a large, tidal basin and exposed areas at low tide bring in flocks of hungry birds. Take advantage of the reserve’s bird hides for the best views of these species. Other birding highlights include Ospreys, which can be seen gliding above the water, and Crossbills, which prefer to reside amongst the pine trees. Seals and porpoises are common sights within the loch itself. Lucky visitors might also have the chance to see an otter fishing near the shore. Loch Fleet is therefore a perfect destination for wildlife watching and is worth a visit even just for the scenery, especially in the months where the reserve is awash with flowering plants.