The Forsinard Flows RSPB Reserve is situated in Thurso in the Highlands and is part of the Flow Country. The Flow Country is the name given to the large, rolling expanse of peatland and wetland area of Caithness and Sutherland in Scotland.
Each season offers different sights and sounds to enjoy at the Reserve.
Spring - Golden plovers, native greylag geese arrive on roadside fields from March to July. Dunlins join them in May and June. Greenshanks, common sandpipers, dippers and teals can be seen along the river from April/May. You'll can see wheatears, stonechats, cuckoos. If you are fortunate, you can catch a glimpse of short-eared owls, hen harriers and merlins. There are weekly guided walks in May.
Summer - Golden plovers and dunlins feed on the farm fields, and greenshanks, dippers, teals and common sandpipers feed along the river banks. Sundews are now in flower, along with the magnificent bog-bean at the start of June with bog asphodel, heather and cotton grass into July and August. Great diving beetles and palmate newts share the pools and lochans. Damselflies and dragonflies such as black darters and northern hawkers emerge from June to September. There are weekly bog walks available in June/July.
Autumn
The time of the deer rut as red deer roar across the chestnut-coloured deer grass-covered bogs in September/October. Sphagnum mosses are at their most colourful at this time of year with apple greens, rich clarets, browns and yellows studded
with lichens and sundews. Most waders have left the bogs by now but young merlins and harriers may stay until the meadow pipits gather and leave. Geese can be seen heading north on their migration. Flocks of blackbirds crossing the bogs fly alongside
fieldfares and redwings.
Winter
The time of year to get close and watch wild red deer herds. You may have a chance to see the mountain hare in its white winter coat. The snow offers you the chance to brush up on the identification of animal and bird tracks like red deer, otter and
hare. The buzzards, ravens, red grouse and hardy wardens brave the cold with golden eagles occasionally venturing closer to the road.
Opening Times
The Reserve is open at all times. The visitor centre is open from Easter to end of October from 9am to 5.30pm
Prices
Entry is free, but donations do help the RSPB continue their work. So please offer a donation, however small.
