Corriefodly Wildlife

Located on the River Ardle on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park, Corriefodly is the perfect place to disconnect from the pressures of day-to-day life and reconnect with nature.

The park is a great base for exploring the national parks, as well as the beautiful Angus Glens and the woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls of Perthshire Big Tree Country. Located at Bridge of Cally, just a few miles north of the lovely market town of Blairgowrie, the park is easily reached for weekend breaks from Fife, Angus, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen. 

We have compiled list of some of the wildlife experiences you can encounter on a visit, along with some of the places that we think wildlife loving guests will enjoy.  

Beavers 

The rivers and lochs in east Perthshire are a hot spot for beavers and one of the best places to see them in the wild. The beaver population at nearby Bamff Estate was feature on the BBC’s Wild Isles programme. They are now present in all burns, rivers, and lochs in the area. Look out for gnawed trees along riverbanks and in the early evening you will often hear a distinctive ‘plop’ as they drop down into the water for safety if they hear your approaching. 

There are several local wildlife companies that offer beaver safaris and wildlife watching experiences including Danielle at Perthshire Wildlife and Nature Nuts. You can also view them from the hide at Bamff Estate.  

Birds of Prey

There are 14 species of raptor (18 if you include owls) within the Cairngorm National Park. Some are resident here all year, while others, like the osprey, fly thousands of miles to breed or winter here. Here are a few of those  

• Osprey 

  Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld, is the perfect spot to see osprey from early April to late August. A pair of breeding ospreys, which nest just 150 metres from our observation hide. You can get closer to the ospreys with binoculars, telescopes, and live video streaming to TVs in the visitor centre. 

• Red Kites

  Absent in Scotland’s skies for over a century, red kites are slowly making a comeback thanks to an exciting project to re-introduce them. At Argaty Red Kites, near Doune, you can enjoy fantastic views of these rare birds from a purpose built hide beside a feeding station. Red kites are most abundant through the winter months (October - March) when they form large      social groups. 

• Tawny Owls

  These can often be heard at night on the park, but they are quite difficult to spot. In spring they can be quite vocal calling to their mate. 

• Buzzards

  Buzzards are a common sight across Perthshire and are regularly sighted soaring above the park. Whilst driving in the area look out for them perched on fence and telegraph posts. 

• White Tailed Sea Eagles

  Sightings of Britain’s largest bird of prey – also known as the sea eagle – are increasingly common, due to an ongoing reintroduction programme with a release programme in neighbouring Fife. You will know if you spot one as they are known as flying barn doors, because of their immense wingspan and distinctive white tail.

• Sparrowhawk

  There is a sparrowhawk who lives nearby. Look for her near the river.

 

Red Squirrels & Pine Marten

Red squirrels are regularly spotted in the park, especially on the woodland walk at the top of the park and in the conifers at the entrance to the park. The woodland behind the Bridge of Cally Hotel is also a good spot for sightings of red squirrels and pine marten are also spotted here. Whilst you are walking through the woodland listen out for the skittering of claws on tree bark. Chewed pinecones on the woodland floor are also a sure sign that they are in the area.  

Salmon 

The best time to view the salmon leaping in Perthshire is in October and November. This is when they are migrating upstream, which makes for some incredible viewing opportunities. Perthshire has two fantastic spots for viewing them:   

• The Hermitage, just off the A9 near Dunkeld is a lovely woodland walk. Here you will find the picturesque 18th century Ossian’s Folly, above the roaring Black Linn waterfall. This a is stunning spot for watching and photographing salmon leaping.  

• Pitlochry Fish Ladder - Over 5,000 salmon pass through the Pitlochry fish ladder each year, as they head upstream to spawn. The ladder is 310 metres in length and has 34 pools, 3 of which are resting pools for the salmon.

Deer 

Fallow and roe deer are often spotted on the other side of the river Ardle. Red deer are less common around the park but in autumn you can hear them roaring during the annual mating rut. However, you don’t have to venture far into the national park to spot red deer herds. Nearby Glenshee is a particularly good spot. 

 

Wild Cats

The Angus Glens is one of the best areas in Scotland for wildcat. The hills north of Kirriemuir were identified as having the most wildcats of six areas designated as Scottish sanctuaries for this elusive animal. Sightings of these elusive animals is highly unlikely, but it is nice to know they are thriving in this part of the country. 

 

Butterflys and Bees

The buddleia bushes planted through the middle of the park are a haven for butterflies and bumblebees in summer. Elsewhere you will find that our landscaping team plants with wildlife in mind.  

Bird Life

Heron, dippers, oyster catchers and kingfisher are birds to look out for on the Ardle and Ericht. The distinctive red legged partridge and pheasants are also regular visitors to the park.  There is also a wealth of small woodland birds, almost too many to mention! There are nesting boxes scattered throughout the park mainly used by the woodland birds. The red legged partridge have been known to nest under holiday homes!

Bats

Pipistrelle bats are a common sight at Corriefodly. Look out for them at sunrise and sunset on warm dry days, flying low over the river. 

 

Otters

It is not only beavers that you can spot in the rivers and waterways of this part of Perthshire. There are lots of otters too. Dawn and dusk are good times to watch for otters. It is also when other wildlife is most active, and their behaviour may give away an otter’s presence. On muddy or sandy banks, look for tracks, or slipways made by a belly sliding otter. 

Bluebells

We are blessed with two of the country's best bluebell woods in this corner of Perthshire. At Darroch Bluebell Wood and the ancient Kinclaven Bluebell Wood you will find dazzling displays of these beautiful flowers in May. Read our bluebell blog to find out more.  

Big Tree Country

With more than 200,000 acres of woodlands, which include more champion trees than anywhere else in the UK, it is no wonder Perthshire is called Big Tree Country. Locally you can visit the Birnam Oak, made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The pinetum at Scone Palace is also worth a visit. Once the workplace of the famous Scottish plant collector David Douglas, the grounds of Scone Palace today support a magnificent Douglas fir raised from the original seed he sent back from America in 1827.  

Pond Life

The pond at Corriefodly is home to palmate newts. They enjoy the shallow water we have provided and hibernate under the stones over winter. In spring they use the pond for breeding and laying their eggs. If you spot one remember to share your photos and tag us with #corriefodlywildlife.