10 things to look forward to in the coming weeks at Loch of the Lowes this August/September:

• Migrating ospreys dropping by to visit us and fishing in our lochs- every visitor can help contribute to osprey research by looking for leg rings on these birds.
• Watching all our fledgling birds learning the ropes : young woodpeckers and woodland birds, , ducks, swans  and more- can you spot the ‘teenagers’?
• Frantic activity from our Red Squirrels as the shortening days prompt them to start storing food for the lean months ahead.
• Dawn and Dusk wildlife watching becoming easier as the days shorten- the best time for Otter and Beaver spotting- we’ve had lots of good sightings recently from our lochside hide.
• The best time of year for Deer watching- our fallow and roe deer have new fawns at foot just now and within weeks the autumn courtship will begin, with the stags roaring in the woods around the loch.
• National Bat night event August 25th , 7-9pm. Learn all about Bats and try your hand at Bat detecting- small charge, booking essential . Suits all ages.
• Get creative with our “It’s Our World Weekend” , part of a national project to capture the essence of the countryside – write a poem, paint a picture , take a photo- what does it mean to you? A free event all weekend 30th-31st August.
• Tremendous Trees guided walk– talk a stroll in the early autumn woods and learn how to ID trees species and some of their fascinating stories and uses. Saturday 20th September  1-3pm. Booking recommended
• Super Squirrels family fun weekend– learn all about our famous Red Squirrels and our work to protect them. Sat 27th and Sun 28th September. Free with VC entry, fun crafts and quizzes for all the family.
• Autumn Itself ! Visit to see the colours change in the woods and the autumn migrants arrive on the loch- ducks and geese arriving from breeding grounds further north massively swell our numbers  of waterfowl, and surprises often turn up.

So although Osprey season is over, there is still lots to see and do on our Perthshire reserves.

Ranger Emma