We’re delighted to announce that our visitor centres around Scotland have reopened to the public. 

A number of measures, including Perspex screens and one-way systems, have been introduced at all visitor centres to help maintain social distancing. Advance online booking is essential to visit both Loch of the Lowes and Montrose Basin.

“Late summer is a fantastic time to come to our visitor centres. Wildflower meadows are buzzing with bees and butterflies, and a huge array of birdlife can be seen both in the woods and on the water.”

Ruchir Shah, Director of External Affairs

Ruchir Shar, our Director of External Affairs said: “Over lockdown we have all become very aware of the importance and benefits of connecting with nature. After lots of hard work to ensure it is safe to reopen we’re thrilled to be welcoming people back to our visitor centres, where they can experience and learn about Scotland’s incredible wildlife.

“Late summer is a fantastic time to come to our visitor centres. Wildflower meadows are buzzing with bees and butterflies, and a huge array of birdlife can be seen both in the woods and on the water.

“As autumn approaches we can look forward to amazing displays of colour in the woodlands and the return of wintering birds, including the spectacular gathering of tens of thousands of pink-footed geese on Montrose Basin.”

Opening times and wildlife highlights  

Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre, New Lanark, South Lanarkshire 

Watch out for signs of roe deer and badgers creeping around in the ancient woodlands skirting the River Clyde. Dippers, kingfishers, grey wagtails and sand martins can be seen swooping over the river. Up in the meadow late summer flowers are blooming including field scabious, knapweed, harebell and yarrow. 

Opening times: Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4:00pm More information 

Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth, Falkirk  

Jupiter’s meadows are providing a feast for pollinators with meadowsweet and knapweed among the wildflowers that are in bloom.?Common darter dragonflies can be seen around the wildlife pond with southern hawkers set to emerge soon.?Watch out for scruffy moorhen chicks, as well as the resident grey heron stalking its prey.

Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday, 10am – 4:30pm More information

Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, Dunkeld, Perthshire 

Visitors to Loch of the Lowes can hope to see red squirrels scurrying in the trees alongside woodland birds including woodpeckers. Great crested grebes, mallards and swans can be seen on the loch. The reserve’s resident pair of ospreys abandoned their regular nest in April but can still occasionally be seen perching around the lochside.

Opening times: Thursday to Monday, 10:30am – 5pm (booking essential) More information

Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, Montrose, Angus 

The Basin is packed with birdlife including lapwing, redshank and curlew and common terns. Visit at low tide for a chance to see common seals resting on the mudflats and ospreys catching fish regularly seen fishing at low tide. Regular kingfishers’ sightings are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Opening times: Thursday to Monday, 10:30am – 5pm (booking essential) More information