Visitor Season 2023

With an improvement in the weather (some of the time anyway!) we are starting to see the return of our breeding wildlife at Forsinard Flows. Birds such as Golden Plover, skylarks and Hen Harrier are back in the area for the summer as well as many of the other peatland inhabitants like common lizard and red deer.

Our Visitor Centre, located in the old railway building by the level crossing, is open 7 days a week (0900-1700). Both nature trails (Dubh Lochains Trail & Forsinain Trail) as well as the Flows Viewing Tower are open at all times.

Visitors should be equipped and prepared for extreme changes in conditions at all times of year if venturing out on any of the nature trails. The Forsinain Trail in particular can be very wet and uneven under foot. The weather and temperature in the car park will probably not be the weather and temperature you experience at the viewing tower or on the hill.

We welcome visitors who exercise their access rights responsibly, however we would ask that you respect the following:

• Vehicle Access | Authorized motor vehicles only - The reserve access tracks are not for general visitor use. Please stick to public roads with your vehicles
• Fire Risk | No open fires or BBQs - To report Wildfires dial 999 and ask for the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
• Ground Nesting Birds | Between April and August (Inclusive) visitors are asked to stay on tracks and to keep dogs under close control to prevent disturbance to breeding ground nesting birds, some of which are specially protected
• Fishing (Hill Lochs) | Fishing by prior arrangement and permit only - Contact forsinardflyfishers@gmail.com for details
• Wildlife Crime | The reserve is regularly patrolled by the Warden team - If visitors suspect that a wildlife crime (such as egg theft, disturbance or poaching) has taken place then they are encouraged to contact Police Scotland by dialling 101

• Gates - If you find a gate is closed please leave it closed, if it is open leave it open

• Dogs and farm animals:

  • Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals
  • Don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals
  • If you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or close at heel and keep as far as possible from the animals
  • If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field

  Dogs and ground nesting birds:

  During the breeding season (usually April-July) keep your dog on a short lead or close at heel in areas such as moorland, forests, grasslands, loch shores and the sea shore to avoid disturbing birds that nest on or near the ground

  Dogs in recreation areas and public places:

  Avoid causing concern to others by keeping your dog close at heel or on a short lead

  Dog waste:

  Pick up and remove your dog's faeces if it defecates in a public open place

  Litter:

  Take away all your litter. Take particular care not to drop things like bottles, cans or plastic bags as these can damage machinery and if eaten by a farm animal or a wild animal they can cause severe injury or death.

Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot

We look forward to meeting our visitors and hope that you have a memorable visit to the amazing Flow Country! - Reserve Team

#RespectProtectEnjoy