Taynish National Nature Reserve

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A woodland wonderland

Taynish National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies at the end of a hidden peninsula. The peaceful oak woodlands are interspersed with grassland glades, heath, saltmarsh and shoreline. The reserve provides a truly amazing landscape that’s teeming with wildlife.

Trees have stood here for more than 6,000 years. A magical mosaic of mosses and lichens drapes from the trees and carpets the ground.

You might see roe deer, red squirrels and otters. Butterflies, beetles, dragonflies and moths flourish in flower-rich grasslands. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the reintroduced Eurasian beaver at the nearby Barnluasgan reserve in Knapdale.

Find out more about visiting Taynish NNR. Or watch our video a journey through Taynish to find out more about this special place. 

Top attractions

  • Follow our trails and lose yourself in a tranquil ancient woodland.
  • Look out for beautiful bluebells and other woodland plants in spring.
  • Spot the rare marsh fritillary butterfly on the coastal grassland.
  • Try your luck at otter spotting at the rapids.

Find out more about the reserve and its natural history.

Join Calum Maclean as he heads on an adventure at the wonderful Taynish NNR. Exploring the reserve from its highest point at Bàrr Mór to the wonders of the Linne Mhuirich rapids. 

 

Duration
03:50

Calum Maclean goes on an adventure to Taynish National Nature Reserve, exploring the landscape, wildlife and Gaelic references to nature in this beautiful part of Scotland.

What’s on?

Visit our Events page to see what upcoming events you can get involved in at this reserve.

Contact

Reserve manager: Heather Watkin

NatureScot
Kilmory Industrial Estate
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8RR

Telephone: 0131 316 2690
Email: [email protected]

Find out more

Discover more about why Scotland’s National Nature Reserves were created and the partners who manage them.

Related Links

Find Taynish NNR on Instagram and Facebook. Share your pictures with us #TaynishNNR

Follow Scotland's NNRs on Facebook for up-to-date information on reserves across Scotland.

Follow NatureScot’s Scotland’s Nature blog and find interesting articles on Scotland’s natural heritage.

Taynish 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.