Incredible Wildlife Encounters in the South of Scotland

Uninterrupted views, rolling hills, lush greenery: From just a few minutes to a full day, spending time in nature can offer respite as well as great fun. But beyond soaking up the scenery there’s lots to look out for in Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders. The areas are wildlife havens, and expert guides as well as our tips can help you spot the locals! Looking at our landscapes with fresh eyes holds great adventures.

Whether you are out on a leisurely walk, a cross-country cycle or doing some snorkelling, you can encounter our local wildlife. So, read on for what you might spot in our woodlands, on our riverbanks and along our coastlines. Here is our guide to some of the wildlife you can see in the South of Scotland.

If you are planning to explore and enjoy our landscapes, please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

What to look out for

Whether you keep your eyes on the sky, trees, ground or water, there is much to see. So why not see what you can spot on your next trip. Here, well-known game birds are joined by majestic birds of prey, while the coastlines team with seabird colonies. See if you can spot iconic red kites, osprey or golden eagles gliding over the landscape.

Early risers have a particularly good chance to spot wildlife along fields and in forests. Stay focused and try to keep as quiet as possible if you’re hoping to spot red squirrels. Look for them in coniferous areas or near bird feeders – nibbled pine cones can be a sign that red squirrels are nearby. Roe deer feed on leaves and fruit, and so can often be encountered in shrubby or more sheltered areas. They tend to appear in small groups of up to three, so keep close watch. Choosing more rocky and somewhat loftier heights, wild goats have also made their home in the South of Scotland.

Rivers and lochs in the South of Scotland are equally teeming with wildlife. Time your visit right, and you may see salmon travelling upstream. Along overgrown riverside, otters like to hide and create muddy slides along the riversides where they haul themselves, and their catch, out of the water. Spotted a quick, bright blue flash? You may have encountered a kingfisher dive into the water to catch small fish!

If you want to combine wildlife spotting with coastal explorations on a hot summer’s day, make the most of rock pooling and snorkeling. Hermit crabs, corals and many others enjoy the clear waters in the region. And those heading out by boat may even spot our resident dolphins and seals!

But where is best for spotting some of these animals? And how can you learn more about them?

The Tweed Valley Osprey Project

Location: Glentress, Scottish Borders

Managed in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland, the Tweed Valley Osprey Project offers nature enthusiasts a chance to observe breeding ospreys in their natural river valley habitat. Telescopes, expert guides, and interactive displays make it an educational hotspot for birdwatchers and families alike. There is even live remote viewing facilities! The feed is live during daylight hours from April to August, the main osprey season.

The Galloway Forest Park

Location: Dumfries & Galloway

The Galloway Forest Park is home to lochs, waterfalls, hills and picturesque villages waiting to be explored. So it can be tough to know where to start – there’s just so much to see!

Right along the Queen’s Way in the forest park are two locations perfect for meeting local wildlife. Close to Black Loch is the Wild Goat Park, home to some 50 British Primitive Goats. Many more roam the surrounding hills, and they enjoy disappearing into the rocky heights to graze. Further along, the Red Deer Range offers a viewing area and hide to observe these majestic animals. You might even spot buzzards soaring overhead.

Looking to spot animals in the wild but need support? The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere recommends local Biosphere Guides. With special knowledge of what it means to live and work in a biosphere, guides have special areas of expertise, including nature and tours. Head out with Freelance Ranger Elizabeth for nighttime explorations, learn about bushcrafting with Christy or spot red squirrels with Antoine.

Go Wild Scotland

Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders

For those looking to venture deeper into nature, Go Wild Scotland in Selkirk provides expert-led wildlife tours and outdoor adventures across the Scottish Borders. From tracking local fauna and bird watching to foraging and habitat exploration, these guided excursions connect families directly with the wild heart of Scotland.

Many of the experiences take place at Go Wild Scotland’s own community wildlife project in Selkirk: Mauldsheugh Wood. The accessible paths and nature pond areas make this a great destination for even the youngest explorers.

WWT Caerlaverock

Location: Near Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway

Have you ever considered a day out spotting geese? The Caerlaverock Wetland Centre is the destination of choice for Svalbard barnacle geese for winter, alongside ducks, waders and swans! The colder months are anything but quiet here. Thousands of water birds migrate to this wetland habitat just outside of Dumfries. The reserve provides amazing views from various hides and towers, not only of the geese but also of the surrounding saltmarshes. Plus, the onsite team put on special events such as the Wild Goose Festival to celebrate this amazing spectacle.

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve

Location: St Abbs, Scottish Borders

St Abbs Head is already famous for its amazing views and dramatic cliffs appearances on screen but there is much more to discover here! The nature reserve is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, and visitors can spot wildlife year-round.

Over the summer months, thousands of seabirds nest in the cliffs. Most notable are the guillemots, easily identifiable thanks to their colouring – their white fronts and dark brown, almost black backs. But there are also kittiwakes and razorbills to be spotted in the seastacks and steep cliffs. The constant buzz and bird calls have resulted in the nickname of seabird city.

In the colder months, seals make their home on the pebble beaches of St Abbs Head. Make sure to steer clear and keep a safe distance, as they will be looking for the perfect spots to raise their pups. Instead, bring binoculars and look out for seal pups from the paths and clifftops. And if you’ve got your binoculars with you at all times, you may even spot dolphins further out at sea. Boat trips to get a different viewpoint and potentially get closer to them are available form St Abbs village and Eyemouth.

Berwickshire Marine Reserve

Location: Along the Berwickshire Coast

Have you ever considered seeing lobsters, crabs and crayfish in their natural habitat? The coastal waters of southern Scotland offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. Here, the crustaceans burrow freely, almost blending into their surroundings.

Spotting the species inhabiting the Berwickshire Marine Reserve is truly an adventure! The area is also a haven for encountering octopus, wolf fish and corals, creating a colourful underwater landscape. With a dedicated snorkel trail, diving tours and more, it’s like discovering a whole new world. 

Moffat

Location: Dumfries & Galloway

Did you know: In 2025 Moffat was named the UK’s first Eagle Town. It is the gateway to the Moffat Hills, popular with hikers and walkers, as well as wildlife. So pull on your boots and head out for some eagle spotting!

As part of an effort to support the local golden eagle population, chicks were translocated from the Scottish Highlands to the area. Now, some 50 golden eagles call the area home. Embark on hikes to iconic locations such as the Devil’s Beeftub and the Grey Mare’s Tail on a calm, clear day and you may see these stunning animals soar overhead. On rare occasions, they can even be spotted gliding over the town.

Even in Moffat, the golden eagle is ever present: A special carved bench celebrates the majestic bird of prey and a hand carved golden eagle above the door welcomes guests to the Buccleuch Hotel.

RSPB Mull of Galloway

Location: Drummore, Dumfries & Galloway

Scotland’s most southerly point is a must-visit when it comes to wildlife spotting. As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, there is lots to discover in every season, especially seabirds.

In the spring, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmar and razorbills nest in the steep cliffs, while gannets and wagtails arrive for summer. Eagle-eyed visitors may even spot a puffin here and there! As the days begin to shorten, tern and skua arrive while ducks brave the winter winds. Make sure to bring along your binocular to spot the wide variety and see how many different species you can spot.

And once you’ve explored along the cliffs, don’t forget to enjoy the views! Climb the lighthouse for an even better vantage point. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to the Isle of Man and Ireland.

Red Kite Centre

LAURIESTON, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Located in the heart of Galloway, the Red Kite Centre at Laurieston offers spectacular viewing opportunities of majestic red kites soaring against dramatic forest backdrops. With interpretation displays and feeding station insights, visitors can learn about the successful conservation efforts that brought these magnificent raptors back to southern skies.

credit: Alan Strong

For more information on what you can spot across Scotland, check out Wild Scotland or visit Wild Seasons for additional advice on spotting wildlife in the South of Scotland. Or check out some of our other blogs for even more ideas and outdoor activities.

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