Like much of Perthshire, Loch of the Lowes is suffering from some flooding this Christmas eve , but nothing that nature here isn’t capable of withstanding. The Loch itself is as high as I have ever seen it ( 24hours after the worst of the rain, it is only now reaching its peak, as the catchment drains down to it) and the water level gauge is now at least a foot under water.

All around the shore line, low lying areas of woods have become part of the loch- but of course the trees that predominate here are all species able to cope with saturation, like Alder, Willow and Birch, which might even benefit from a fertilising dose of silt.

You will notice on the Otter/Beaver cam that even the burn linking the two lochs has topped its banks ( a very rare event) and the Otter holt is now partly flooded. Don’t worry though, the Otter will be safe a sound somewhere- they cleverly have more than one holt in a territory, to suit a variety of conditions.

Less lucky is our newest resident, the Beaver, who had been busy this autumn making itself a lovely lodge to live in- which is now flooded. Doubtless it will also be safe on higher ground, but facing a lot of work to rebuild .

For the  rest of our wildlife it seems to be business as usual, and the feeding station is a busy as always this morning.

Lastly, just to say a very Merry Christmas to all our members, friends, readers, webcam watchers, osprey fans and fellow  wildlife lovers everywhere- and to “ Lady” , her male partner, previous Lowes birds such as Green 7Y and our two special young ospreys especially, wherever they may be!

Emma the Ranger