Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The Insh Marshes NNR is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. A wide, meandering river wends its leisurely way through an active floodplain, providing a home to vast numbers of water-loving birds. These include whooper swans and greylag geese on the lochs and marshland in the winter, plus goldeneye, mallard, teal and wigeon and breeding waders such as lapwing, curlew and redshank on the marshes of the floodplain. Summer visitors include osprey, keeping a watchful eye out for a fishing opportunity. Patches of birch, aspen and juniper cover the fringes of the reserve, adding another habitat to the mosaic. Look out too for roe deer and red foxes. The breathtaking views across the huge expanse of floodplain from the two birdwatching hides are a major attraction, but if you fancy something a bit more energetic there are three nature trails. Insh Marshes is managed by the Royal Society for Birds (Scotland).

Location

Insh

About the area

Apart from the Orkneys and the Shetlands, Highland is Scotland’s northernmost county. Probably its most famous feature is the mysterious and evocative Loch Ness, allegedly home to an ancient monster that has embedded itself in the world’s modern mythology, and the region’s tourist industry.