A LIVING LANDSCAPE
In every detail, there are signs of the recovering ecosystem at Alladale. Look to the skies for golden eagles; search for rare orchids and twinflower; keep an eye out for black grouse and ptarmigan; and marvel in the wild spectacle of the Atlantic salmon run. Across the Reserve new saplings of Caledonian pine, rowan and birch are beginning to restore the forests of the Highlands.
ARCTIC CHARR
A rare and highly conserved fish, Arctic charr can be found in some of Alladale's mountain lochs. Scotland is a stronghold for charr, with 258 Scottish lochs known to contain the species.
ATLANTIC SALMON
Alladale has key salmon spawning grounds, which takes place from November to December. Salmon 'parr' live in Alladale's two rivers for two to three years before returning to the Atlantic. On their return legs, you can see them heroically leaping up Glencalvie Falls.
ALDER
Alder is an important riparian tree that helps create much needed shade and add nutrients to Scotland's rivers.
OYSTERCATCHER
This unmistakable bird is a migratory visitor to Alladale. Originally a coastal species, oystercatchers have moved further inland over the last 50 years to breed on waterways and lakes.
COMMON REDPOLL
A small finch, this bird is a rare winter visitor to the Reserve. Streaky brown above and whitish below with black streaks, identify this bird with its distinctive red cap.
COMMON BUZZARD
Alladale's combinations of old-growth woodland and open grassland areas are prime habitat for buzzards. They can often be sighted by the lodge in the old pine and birch woods.
