Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve covers 98 hectares near Dunkeld. From early April to late August, the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys, which nest just 150 metres from our observation hide.
Address: Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld PH8 0HH
Why visit?
Highlights include:
- Getting closer to the ospreys with binoculars, telescopes and live video footage
- Spotting red squirrels, woodpeckers and other woodland birds from viewing windows
- Interactive displays help bring the story of Loch of the Lowes to life
- Education activities and school visits
- Regular family events throughout the year
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Gift shop stocking a range of wildlife-themed gifts, souvenirs and birdcare products
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Hot and cold drinks and light refreshments available
Best time to visit?
- Mar – Nov for red squirrels
- Apr – Aug for ospreys
- May – Aug for beavers
- All year round for wildfowl
- All year round for bird feeders & deer
Visit for:
- birdwatching
- woodlands
- wildflowers
- scenery
- mammals
Other information
The Fungarth path leads from the historic town of Dunkeld to Loch of Lowes.
Our male osprey chick, PH1, has set off on migration. We were about to announce his departure a few days ago but then he must have popped back – now, however, we can confirm he has left Loch of the Lowes – we wish him a smooth and safe migration. PH1 was a very noisy juvenile who could be heard by visitors as soon as they reached the car park. We thought peace would reign when he left, but no,…
Our People’s Postcode Lottery beaver watches have proved so popular that we have decided to run three more events in August. These are likely to be the final beaver watches of the summer and previous events have filled up quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment! Join us in the evening for a short presentation about beavers, followed by some viewing time in the hide. Beaver at Loch of the Lowes © Ron Walsh Events…
After waiting with baited breath (no pun intended) over the last few days for a pine marten to be lured to our pheasant, we finally got lucky! Reviewing the camera trap footage the other morning, we were suddenly jolted awake with excitement as we caught sight of a unmistakably bushy tail on the screen. The unmistakable bushy behind of a pine marten! © Scottish Wildlife Trust Pine martens are an extremely elusive mammal and are…
To gain a better understanding of the wildlife that lives and visits the Loch of the Lowes Reserve, the ranger team have been setting up a number of camera traps in the area. Camera trapping is a fantastic non-invasive way to study wildlife, especially as it can let us witness both daylight and nocturnal behaviours. So far we’ve had some exciting footage of: red squirrels, mice, hedgehogs, birds, and of course plenty of roe and fallow deer! [caption id=”attachment_425547″…
People’s Postcode Lottery is holding two beaver watches at Loch of the Lowes in August. The evenings will begin with a short presentation about beavers followed by some viewing time in the hide. Book now for a chance to see and learn about these fascinating creatures! Beaver swimming © Ron Walsh Events schedule: 2nd August from 7pm – 9:30pm 9th August from 7pm – 9:30pm Booking is essential. Tickets: adult £10, Concession/Members £8, Child…
Our osprey chicks have been very active over the past couple of weeks. PH1 and PH2 have both been seen practicing their fishing. Although they are not yet catching fish for themselves, they are certainly warming to the idea. They have been seen chasing each other around the loch, which has been a joy to watch, and a farmiliar game for those of us with siblings. They can still be seen returning to the nest to feed along with their…
The first volunteer task day of the summer was at Balnaguard Glen, where we spent the day bracken bashing. Bracken can be very invasive, so controlling it is important to improve plant species diversity and to encourage the regeneration of juniper on the reserve. We used hand scythes to cut the bracken stems and although it was hard work it was very satisfying. I was amazed at the size of the area that we managed to clear (although there is…
