Explore Scottish Biodiversity

Where: Culzean Castle and Country Park, Maybole, South Ayrshire, KA19 8LE.

This National Trust for Scotland property, Culzean (pronounced ‘Cul-lane’) Castle you see now was built between 1777 and 1792 on the site of a much older fortress. Stretching over hundreds of hectares, it’s impossible to get tired of Culzean’s rambling grounds. They are home to an incredible range of species and every day there is something new to find and explore. Culzean also hosts Scotland’s oldest junior naturalists’ club, which has inspired many people over the past 40 years to take up careers as countryside rangers, botanists and scientists.

There are winged friends a plenty to see at Culzean Castle, with around 120 species of birds, of which 50 are breeding. Don't miss Ravens that come back year after year to nest on the cliffs. They're early nesters so at the beginning of May the young will have already fledged, but if you keep looking near the nest, you'll see the chicks following the mother along the cliff side. Also in the cliff-side caves lurk some bats.

The Swan Pond was created as an ornamental water feature and is very popular with visitors – but over time it has attracted many birds and insects and has been colonised on its edges by reeds and other plants.

The shoreline along Culzean varies between sandy beaches and rocky tidal zones leading up to the cliffs on which the castle sits. These have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their geological and habitat value.

The ECOS (Environmental, Conservation and Outdoor Skills) is a club for teenagers from 12-17 years. It’s part of a nationwide network of ranger-led conservation groups called ‘Junior Rangers.’  It gives young people a chance to help look after the natural world on the estate, develop environmental awareness and have fun. It’s also a route to gaining a SCRA Junior Ranger Award and is a great start for anyone who is thinking about a career connected with nature. For more details head to the events page for Culzean Castle.

Where: Linlithgow Palace, Kirkgate,Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 7AL

This Historic Scotland site is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
and was once a majestic royal residence of the Stewarts. It features beautiful architecture and high towers look out over lush greenery and a loch brimming with wildfowl, which is today a Site of Special Scientific Interest cared for by the rangers.

The beautiful Linlithgow Loch is home to many wildfowl. Of particular interest are populations of breeding Little and Great Crested Grebes who can be seen from March onwards. The Loch also support some of the largest flocks of coot, mute swan and tufted duck to be found in the Lothians.

Linlithgow Palace stands on a low hill above a small inland loch. The name Linlithgow means ‘the loch in the damp hollow’. The surrounding area is of great interest to nature-lovers!

Where: Kelburn Estate, Fairlie, Largs, KA29 0BE.

This beautiful Historic Houses property offers a great castle and estate. Based around a 13th Century castle that's had an amazing makeover courtesy of a team of Brazilian artists, the estate near Largs, Ayrshire also features dramatic walks, breathtaking gardens and many features of historical interest.

At Kelburn Castle there is an exciting range of fascinating wildlife from Roe Deer to squeaking voles and swooping buzzards.

Kelburn Estate houses a wide range of beautiful scenery, including the Secret Forest, the Glen and Gardens and the Plaisance, the castle’s walled garden, where colourful flowers and shrubs thrive, sheltered from the salty westerly gales. Particularly impressive are two 1,000-year-old yew trees and the Weeping Larch, a 200-year-old specimen that has re-rooted in spectacular fashion.

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