Wildlife and history
A huge expanse of open water, Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) provides an ideal home for countless birds. With more freshwater breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe, and links to Mary Queen of Scots, it combines history and nature. From late summer until spring, tens of thousands of wildfowl also use it for short- and long-term stopovers. Marvel at the awe-inspiring sight of huge flocks of wintering wildfowl. In summer, ospreys patrol the loch in search of a fish supper. Watch the quiet persistence of tufted duck and teal dabbling for food. You might smell sweetly scented holy grass – an ancient form of incense – on the marshy edges of the loch.
The Loch Leven brown trout is famed worldwide for its flavour. It has been imported into fishing lochs as far afield as Canada and New Zealand.
Find out more about visiting Loch Leven NNR.
Top attractions
- One of the best places in Europe to watch wildfowl.
- Explore 21 kilometres of trails around the loch.
- Keep a look out for hunting osprey.
- In winter watch thousands of geese taking flight at dawn or arriving at dusk.
Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.
What’s on?
Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.
Contact
Reserve manager: Neil Mitchell
Scottish Natural Heritage
The Pier
Kinross
KW13 8UF
Telephone: 01738 458609
Email: nnr@nature.scot
Find out more
Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.
Related Links
Follow our NNR Facebook page for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.
Follow the Loch Leven blog to keep up to date with news from the reserve.
Find out more about our partners at Loch Leven NNR – the RSPB, which manages RSPB Loch Leven, and Historic Environment Scotland, which manages boat trips to Castle Island.
Loch Leven NNR is a member of VisitScotland and the GTBS (Green Tourism Business Scheme).
Enjoyed your visit?
- Make a donation to support nature and visitor facilities on our NNRs.
- Let us know what you thought on TripAdvisor.
