Wildlife along the Caledonian Canal

Fort Augustus and the Caledonian Canal and locks, Highlands. PIC: P TOMKINS/VISITSCOTLAND/SCOTTISH VIEWPOINT

The Great Glen, through which the Caledonian Canal runs, is a popular stop-off for migrating sea birds on their way between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. Other birds spotted are buzzards, siskins, lesser spotted woodpeckers. More rarely you might catch sight of eagles and ospreys.

On the ground, foxes and red squirrels might just cross your path - or even a wildcat. The red deer is still seen by locals, and sadly, considered rather a pest. Be careful not to dazzle one in your headlights.

Many locations along the canal have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Some of the species you will spot include:

  • **Glen Tarff SSSI

    • **Careful where you put your feet while you walk through this gorge woodland! As well as accommodating unusual flowering plants such as Wood Cranesbill and Greater Wintergreen, Glen Tarff is also home to a rare insect called Bolitophagus Reticulates!

    • **South Laggan Fen SSSI

      • **Watch out for the birds and plants who benefit from the lush cover provided by this rich lowland fen, especially during the breeding season where you might catch a glimpse of the shy Sedge Warbler or elusive Reed Bunting.

      • **Easter Ness Forest SSSI

        • ** For approximately 11km (7 miles) along the banks of Loch Ness, rare butterflies and birds inhabit the striking mix of trees that make up the Easter Ness Forest. If you think you smell gin, that will be the juniper shrubs.

        • **Urquhart Bay Woods SSSI

          • ** One of the best examples of a swamp alderwood in the Inverness area. Alder tends to dominate the wetter ground while the variety of other species on the gently rising land include ash, gean, wych elm, white willow and bird cherry. Shrubs include sallow and blackthorn. In addition there is a good woodland and wetland bird community and characteristic insect fauna.

          • **Inverfarigaig SSSI

            • ** This gorge woodland, occupying a deep ravine cut through red sandstone rock, is home to a number of beetle species, characteristic of ancient forest of this type.

            • **Beauly Firth SSSI

              • ** The Beauly Firth has long been considered an important national site for its wildfowl and waders, while at low tide the sand banks within the Firth are used as haul out sites for seals. The site is also under consideration as a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar site - European designations given to sites with special ornithological interest.