Short breaks in Glentress Forest, Peebles

The mature conifer woodland of Glentress Forest creates an important habitat for many species of fauna. Amongst the fir, larch and spruce, you’ll find Scotland’s national tree, the Scots pine. The UK’s only native pine, it keeps its needle-like leaves all year round. Keep an eye out for the telltale signs that a red squirrel has nibbled the seeds from the pinecones beneath the trees – Glentress Forest lies within a ‘Priority Area for Red Squirrel conservation’ (PARC), so they’re a very important neighbour!

Glentress Forest is home to a huge variety of birds, from Buzzards to Crossbill and Waxwing. Particularly exciting visitors are the Ospreys, which cruise the River Tweed’s route searching for fish, and nest in the forest between May and September.  We were very excited when we helped to sponsor two trackers to monitor and report on two of the Osprey chicks nested in the forest. Keen to catch a glimpse? During nesting season, you can see the Ospreys on a live camera feed at Glentress Wild Watch nature room.