Remote Scottish Glen and Wetlands

The River Livet is the major tributary of the Avon. Rising in the Ladder Hills as the Kymah, Blythe and Ladder burns, it flows across the Braes of Glenlivet and through the narrow gap guarded by the Bochel into lower Glenlivet before joining the Avon at Drumin

During spring the wide expanse of the Gordon flats come alive with the activities of breeding birds. Curlew and Lapwing make a magnificent aerial acrobatic display and call loudly as they compete for the best nesting sites and mates. Oystercatcher, Sandpiper and Sedge Warbler join resident Snipe and Reed Bunting for the nesting season. Other wetland residents include Mallard and Teal, whilst Dipper can be seen flitting up and down the river throughout the year.

Near buildings you may see Twite or Barn Owl where Sparrow, Brown Rat and House Mouse also make their homes to take advantage of a plentiful supply of grain and other food. House Martin and Swallow use these buildings during summer to raise their young, whilst on the water Goosander join our resident ducks. Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Swift, Swallow and Sand Martin fly overhead in search of insects, closely watched by Kestrel and Merlin.

In autumn and spring migrating Canada, Greylag, Pink Footed and Whitefronted Geese all pass through Glenlivet to avoid the surrounding higher ground. They sometimes pause to rest here before making their onward journey.

Although Glenlivet is a good thirty five miles from the coast, Seagulls are regular visitors. The Common Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, and Great Black Backed Gull are all seen here during the course of the year.