RSPB Scotland Balranald nature reserve

This beautiful Hebridean reserve has sandy beaches, rocky foreshore, marshes and sand-dunes with wonderful wildlife to spot all year round. Look out for oystercatchers and Greenland barnacle geese in spring time, and in the summer listen out for the sound of jangling keys from the corn bunting’s song. In autumn you may catch a glimpse of a hen harrier or a peregrine, and in the winter whooper swans and teals make Balranald their home.

An information centre explains the importance of traditional crofting agriculture for corncrakes and other wildlife. There is a 3 mile circular nature trail through wildflower-rich machair and around a bird-rich headland. A wide selection of wildlife can be seen, from wading birds to the elusive otter.

Open at all times; visitor centre and toilets with disabled access - April to August 9 am to 6 pm. Information centre at Goular Cottage.

Free, but donations to help us continue our work here are welcome.

This nature reserve is important for wildlife. RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead and please clean up after your dog.