Loch Garten Osprey Centre

Loch Garten Osprey Centre

The Osprey Centre is a nature reserve on the shore of Loch Garten, in the Abernethy Forest near Nethy Bridge, at the north-east corner of the Cairngorms National Park. For many years ospreys deserted Scotland, but a pair breeding birds settled in the Loch Garten area, and the Osprey Centre was set up to monitor the birds, preserve their habitat, and allow visitors to safely view the nest without disturbing the birds.

A boardwalk leads from the visitor centre to a bird hide, allowing good access to a safe vantage point for further observation. To achieve this last aim a 'nest cam' CCTV camera was set up, allowing visitors to watch fledgeling ospreys in the nest from the safety of the visitor centre.

There are trails throughout the Abernethy Forest woodlands surrounding the Osprey Centre, and around the shores of Loch Garten. In addition to the ospreys, the reserve offers good opportunities to view other local wildlife, including crested tits, greylag geese, and red squirrels.

This is an excellent area for birdwatching, and centre staff are on hand to answer questions, lend binoculars and telescopes, and lead regular birdwatching tours through the nature reserve. There is also a seasonal early morning capercaillie watch, led by wardens, from April to the end of May. Capercaillies are Scotland's largest variety of grouse.

The Osprey Centre is open daily from April to the end of August. Members of the RSPB are admitted free.