Loch Garten

Loch Garten lies in the Cairngorms National Park, a freshwater loch surrounded by tall pines of the Abernethy Forest. The forest belongs to the RSPB and forms a nature reserve where ospreys nest each spring. Boat of Garten nearby is known as the Osprey Village because of these birds. The loch also shelters western capercaillie, red squirrels and smaller woodland birds. In the 19th century ospreys vanished from Britain as breeding birds. In 1954 two Scandinavian ospreys arrived at Loch Garten and started a nest. Conservation organisations helped the species return, and the nest has been watched ever since. A viewing hide with telescopes and screens lets visitors see the birds close up. Live footage shows fledglings and parents, while feeders attract red squirrels and other wildlife. Paths wind through the Caledonian pine forest beside the loch. One trail meets the Speyside Way, offering longer walks through the reserve. The forest canopy was lowered near the nest to make the site more appealing. In 2022 a new pair of ospreys raised two young, and two chicks fledged in 2023. Visitors can watch ospreys, spot elusive capercaillie in spring, or simply enjoy the quiet shores of Loch Garten.