RSPB Reserve at Forsinard

RSPB's Reserve at Forsinard lies at the heart of the internationally important peatlands of Caithness and Sutherland. Not only is the site world famous but it is one of the few nature reserve in Scotland with a visitor centre in by a railway station and a hotel just across the road. Travelling by train from the South takes you right through the heart of the peatlands, a memorable journey and by far the best way to see this alluring landscape. The peatlands are home to some of our rarest nesting birds such as black- and red-throated divers, common scoter, greenshank, golden plover, merlin and hen harrier. The plant life is equally diverse including the wonderful sundew, which show extreme adaptation to life on the bog. With few nutrients available in the rainwater they use their red sticky hairs to attract, trap and devour unwary insects even as big as dragonflies. Set amid such breathtaking scenery, starling skies and long summer evenings it is easy to see why the area is held in such high esteem.

The Visitor Centre is staffed during May, June and July. There are displays, which explains much of the history and ecology of the area and in the summer time (end of May through until July) live pictures of a hen harrier nest are also displayed on a large screen. During the summer term the RSPB also run a free education programme for schools in Highland Region.

RSPB Peatland Events 2002

2nd of May to the 29th of August
Guided walks every Tuesday and Thursday, 2:20 pm to 5 pm.
28th July 2002
International Bog Day - Family Events.
Opening times:
Visitor centre open daily, 9 am to 6 pm, April to October. Free admission. For further information: tel: 01641 571225.
Train times:
Depart Inverness 07.21 arrive Forsinard 10.10
Depart Inverness 11.27 arrive Forsinard 14.17
Depart Forsinard 13.13 arrive Inverness 16.00
Depart Forsinard 17.21 arrive Inverness 20.07

The Undiscovered Country: Wildlife of the Scottish Flows

All about the peatlands, this award-winning film launched earlier this year, captures the beauty and magic of Caithness & Sutherland. It includes some breathtaking footage of black-throated diver, greenshank, and common scoter.

Normally retailing at £9.99, For Friends of the Far North Line, the RSPB is offering special rate of £6. To order please contact us on: 01463 715000 or e-mail: nsrso at rspb.org.uk.