We're delighted to announce that the centre will reopen on Wednesday July 15th. We will also open on Sunday July 19th. This cautious start is to gauge numbers and frequency of visits. If all goes well we will return to our normal opening hours from Tuesday 21st July.
Please check our website and Facebook pages for the latest updates.
Access to the building will be restricted to one person/group at a time. There will be an extra covered 'waiting area'. For the foreseeable future there will be a 'look, don't touch' policy in regard to all exhibits and artefacts. Unfortunately we also cannot offer any of our children's hands-on activities at present.
All vistors must wear amask/face covering when in the centre to comply with Scottish Government regulations. A one-way system will operate to enables visitors to approach and leave the building without having to meet on any of the narrow paths. You will still be able to watch the wildlife on the feeders, pick up lots of great information abouts things to see and do and buy anything from an OS map to a fluffy pine marten.
We are 'good to go' and look forward to seeing you soon. Pete and Oly
Please keep posting images and comments on our Facebook Group, visit our Facebook Page for updates, enjoy images of Knapdale and its wildlife on Instagram and keep up to date on Twitter .
Visit Knapdale, Scotland's Nature Treasure Chest. Within our stunning mosaic of forest, coast, loch, moorland and seashore are all of Scotland's iconic animals: Golden eagles, red squirrels, otters, pine martens, red deer, harbour seals, hen harriers, ospreys and basking sharks. Our Atlantic Rainforests teem with life from tree top to forest floor. One glen may hold 100s of species of lichens, bryophytes and fungi. Lungwort, yellow specklebelly, Wilson's filmy fern, hazel gloves, dog tooth lichen; the names are as strange and wonderful as the lives of these organisms. Rare butterflies such as marsh fritillaries have a stronghold here along with purple hairstreaks and hawk moths.
Knapdale is famous, of course, for the Scottish Beaver Trial that ran from 2009-14. The beavers are here to stay and more are currently being introduced into the area. At Barrandaimh we are perfectly placed to guide you to the centre of their activities. We are located in a 400-year old farm building in Knapdale Forest, just a few hundred metres from the nearest beaver lodge. Later additions include a cruck-frame barn and what must be Scotland's most unique composting toilet, built in the style of a Norwegian mountain hut.
We run a series of guided walks and events throughout the year to explore the habitat of these amazing engineers and the many animals and plants that benefit from their activities.
So if you want to meet our local moths, listen to our bats, explore our seashores and ponds or discover the weird and wonderful world of fungi we will have an activity to suit. We also have lots of children's activities at the centre from things to make and do, special events and discovery packs for them to create their own adventures.
At our centre you will find expert information on where to get the best chance of sighting anything from an otter to an adder. We can also tell you all you need to know about Knapdale's other unique attractions. Man has left his mark on this unique environment as well. From standing stones and castles to chapels and clearance villages this part of Argyll is packed with the signs of 5,000 years of turbulent history.
One of the frequent comments in our visitor book is 'I wish I could stay for longer, there is so much to see'. Let us help you discover Knapdale, biodiversity at its best.
