Wildlife to spot in Winter

As the days draw in and temperatures fall, winter colours and scents return to Scotland’s landscapes. The wildlife around us becomes heightened to the change in conditions and many beautiful sights can be seen from our historic properties.

If you’re taking a stroll through Holyrood Park, venture along to Duddingston Loch and you may see more than just the fantastic views of Edinburgh.

In recent years Whooper Swans have been spotted around the area. Mainly a winter visitor, swooping by the UK from Iceland, the species tend to stop in the capital for only a week or so. It can come down to just luck on the day if you see them or not!

Visit Holyrood Park

As well as Whooper Swans, winter birds such as Shelduck, Greenshank, Merganser, Lapwing and Oystercatcher can be spotted during winter in Scotland. 

You can take a walk to the end of the pier at Blackness Castle, or around Linlithgow Loch, for some seasonal birdwatching. Herons and Mergansers can also be spotted on the River Tweed by Dryburgh Abbey.

The graceful ruins of the abbey nestle in beautiful woodland beside the River Tweed. It's a perfect spot for wildlife - you may even spot some otters in the water. The Dryburgh yew tree was reputedly planted in the abbey grounds by monks in 1136, which would make it older than the abbey itself!

Visit Dryburgh Abbey

Bats, hedgehogs and amphibians, such as frogs and toads, all become inactive during the winter and if you know where to look they can be easily spotted. A number of our sites are home to these species.

Butterflies such as Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral will also hibernate. They can often be seen clinging to the walls and ceilings of castle ceilings and other areas of our historic sites.

Peacock butterflies are particularly interesting because they will often hibernate in groups, and if disturbed they will all ‘hiss’ to ward off any opportunistic predators, Make sure you don't disturb them yourself though!