Aberdeen is a spectacular city for wildlife.
Look out over the harbour mouth where you can see Bottlenose Dolphins or Harbour Porpoise on an almost daily basis. In fact BBC Winterwatch came to Aberdeen in 2013 to film our resident dolphins!
Dolphins and Porpoise are joined by a spectacular array of birds including Eider Ducks, Cormorants, Gulls and at the other end of the city, near the Don Mouth you will often find seals snoozing in the sunshine.
Aberdeen City Council Ranger Service
Aberdeen City Council's Ranger Service manage four Local Nature Reserves around the city.
Don Mouth reserve is known for its wide range of habitats including Mudflats, Salt Marsh and Sand Dune.
Kincorth reserve is known for its Heath and Grassland and is a great place to go bird watching. Den of Maidencraig is known for its grassland, woods and freshwater pond.
Scotstown reserve is a great place to see roe deer, foxes and owls.
Den of Maidencraig reserve is located in the valley of the Denburn, one of the larger burns which drain from the surrounding countryside and join the River Dee.
The service also run a number of events throughout the year. These are a great way to get involved in the local natural environment.
Many of our city centre parks, including Hazlehead are home to Red Squirrels.
Parks and Gardens
Aberdeen has six city parks, seven local parks, 32 neighbourhood parks and many more green spaces around the city. Our most famous are:
Hazlehead Park, home to the Aberdeen Highland Games and Hazlehead Pets Corner.
Duthie Park, which was donated to the city by Miss Duthie in 1880 and opened to the public in 1883 is home to the David Welch Winter Gardens: one of Europe's largest indoor gardens and Scotland's third most visited gardens.
Things to Do
- Why not join the RSPB Dolphin Watch team at Torry Battery and see if you can spot the dolphins.
- Head out on an Aberdeen Harbour Cruises - Wildlife Cruises.
- Join in with one of the Aberdeen City Council Ranger Service events.
- Hunt for signs of Red Squirrels in Hazlehead Park.
- Spend some time bird spotting - you may be lucky enough to spot a peregrine whizzing up and down Union Street!
