The Heart of Argyll Environment 

The Heart of Argyll region includes a truly precious environment.

Waymarked trails in both Taynish and Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, a mosaic of Marine Protected Areas and areas of SSSI and ancient woodland managed by The Woodland Trust combined with the walking and cycling trails throughout Forest and Land Scotland-managed forests plus the towpath of the Crinan Canal all provide opportunities for getting outside safely, exploring nature, having fun and enjoying the tranquillity of our landscape whatever your interests and abilities.

Discover Atlantic woodlands, rare temperate rainforest, its canopy dripping with epiphytes and forest floor swathed in moss, explore the official area for Scottish beaver re-introduction and their expanding eco-engineered wetlands linking freshwater lochs throughout their territory. Our coastal margins are varied with expansive areas of alder carr, salt marsh, tidal flats and fingers of rocky promontories, the knaps and dales, reaching into the sea, all creating micro-habitats. We are also home to one of Europe’s largest and most endangered of habitats, the raised peat bog at Moine Mhor (Great Moss). Sited at the foot of historic Kilmartin Glen, you can look out over 5,000 years of history within this ancient landscape.

The Argyll Hope Spot includes tidal races, deep water trenches just offshore, narrows, rocky islands and sheltered inlets, sand, shell or pebble beaches and is host to some of the world's most endangered species, above and below the waterline. Our marine biodiversity is second only to the remote Island of St Kilda in the UK and so much more accessible.

Deep diving species like Minke whales can be spotted from the shore as they take advantage of the marine trenches and tidal movements of the Sound of Jura.“Sea-wilding” is as important to us as the carefully orchestrated re-wilding of our protected landscape.

"Sea-wilding is as important to us as the carefully orchestrated re-wilding of our protected landscape."

The reintroduction of native oysters, sea grass and protective zones around Loch Craignish take advantage of and enhance our fragile coastal water habitats.

Open your senses to the natural world. See, hear, smell, taste and touch the Heart of Argyll.

All the iconic Scottish species are here. Red, fallow and sika deer, red squirrels, pine martens and badgers in the forests and woods along with wild beavers. Otters and white-tailed sea eagles, ospreys, peregrines, hen harriers, buzzards and owls hunt our coastal margins, rare butterflies, moths and dragonflies dance in the air. Common lizards, slow worms, grass snakes and adders bask in the sun. Seals, porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks glide through our waters.

Throw in a spot of wildlife watching, photography, a touch of local history and folklore, archaeology, foraging, learning a new skill or contributing to a citizen science project you have all the ingredients for a perfect Wonder Seekers adventure.

At the end of the day, however you choose to spend it, you could be in for a surprise. Our western facing coast is renowned for colourful sunsets, so wherever you are as the sun dips below the horizon, remember to look up.

Victoria Winters
Heart of Argyll

Visit the Heart of Argyll website