This October our Nature Walkers visited Brodick Castle Gardens and the Squirrel Hide.

Recently, we enjoyed an insightful talk on red squirrels led by Jake the Ranger! For those who couldn’t make it, here’s a summary and some photos of the day. Jake gave us a fascinating look at our vibrant red squirrel population, a species that has long captured the hearts of nature lovers in the area. Although we didn’t spot any red squirrels during the talk, the feeding area was buzzing with other visitors – both feathered and furry!

One exciting new feature was a recently dug badger sett near the squirrel feeding area. It’s clear that the feeding station has become a popular spot for more than just squirrels. The local wildlife seems to love peanuts! We even saw a pheasant casually strutting by, while a few cheeky chaffinches flitted around, adding to the charm of the place.

A Robust Red Squirrel Population

One of the highlights of the talk was learning about the resilience of our red squirrel population. Over the centuries, efforts to introduce Belgian genetic strains have kept our local squirrels robust and genetically diverse. This blend has helped strengthen the population, which is great news for conservation efforts.

Jake also shared updates from a recent red squirrel survey. Blood sampling revealed that our local squirrels carry a pox virus, but fortunately, it appears to be mild and doesn’t seem to impact their daily activities. These findings were reassuring for those of us who enjoy spotting red squirrels at bird tables and feeders. An increasingly common sight thanks to enthusiastic locals putting out nuts.

A Broader Look at Conservation: Peatland Restoration

Our discussion also covered a critical conservation project: peatland restoration. Jake explained how preserving peatlands helps lock in CO₂, making it a valuable resource in combating climate change. As we learned, healthy peatlands are essential carbon sinks, helping to reduce emissions by keeping CO₂ securely stored in the ground.

Visiting the Grounds – Now Free Admission!

For those interested in visiting, the grounds are now free admission as of November 1st! Whether you’re hoping to spot red squirrels, enjoy a pheasant’s company, or simply soak up the beauty of the landscape. This area offers a chance to connect with nature while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Take a look at some photos from the hide attached below, and plan your visit to explore this wonderful wildlife haven!

Inside the hide

For more information on Brodick Castle please see their website here.

Our Next Nature Walk

Our Walk to Brodick Castle Gardens was part of our Nature Walk Schedule which can be found here. The next walk is on Wednesday the 20th of November at 10.30am. Join us for a beautiful, relaxed walk along Clauchlands Shore Road, where the path provides incredible views of Holy Isle and winds through the No Take Zone – a protected marine area dedicated to conserving sea life. This walk is the perfect way to enjoy the natural coastal beauty while learning about local conservation efforts that are helping to protect and revive marine ecosystems.

Meet in the car park across from Lamlash Pharmacy. The walk is free but booking is essential – please email healthwalks@arranecosavvy.org.uk.

In the Loop

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