Kingussie is an ideal centre to explore the flora and fauna
of Badenoch and Strathspey. For visitors from south of the Drumochter Pass it
will seem as if they have entered a new Nordic country. Many features of the
natural environment here have more in common with Scandinavia than with the rest
of the U.K. 
For example, Aspen the trembling Poplar has its stronghold
here, being a pioneer species of post-glacial landscapes; elsewhere in Britain
it is sparsely scattered and mostly planted. It is an important component of the
local landscape
, just as in Norway and Sweden. Kingussie hosted a nationally
important meeting on this species in 2001. To learn more about this species
visit the Aspen website
www.treesforlife.org.uk/tfl.aspen_info_resource.html
In the relict patches of native pine forests and conifer plantations here you will commonly find plants such as Chickweed Wintergreen and Creeping Lady’s Tresses, perhaps even Intermediate Wintergreen and Twinflower. These species are rare or absent further south. The dominant plants under the trees are Bilberry and Crowberry mixed with Ling and other heathers. The green-ness of the ground flora always surprises the visitor, as does the presence of large patches of delicate lichens. Such areas of lichen heath are also typical of Scandinavian Pine Forests. The extensive cover of lichens on the trees is a strong indicator of the really clean air found in the Kingussie area.
Red squirrels are still common and can frequently be seen scrambling among the pine trees, feeding on the cones and visiting gardens in Kingussie, often coming to bird tables along with Siskins and other garden birds to forage for nuts.
The RSPB
reserve of Insh Marshes stretches from Kingussie along the floodplain of the
Spey as far as Kincraig. This is our special secret reserve and it has recently
been proposed to be a National Nature Reserve, it is so unique. As well as the
wealth of bird life there, the alluvial and morainic soils provide various
growing conditions giving it a varied flora. One consequence of this is that
specialist invertebrates associated with the plants will also be present. This
means a rich variety of butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, etc. for the
keen–eyed naturalist to look for. For details of this special reserve on our doorstep click here http://www.kincraig.com/rspb.htm. In winter, Red Kites and Hen Harriers seek refuge from persecution on this reserve.
Inshriach Forest, a Forestry Commission commercial forest
also stretches down the Strath from Kingussie on the East side of the river
Spey. It is a 
huge area but with many pleasant surprises. It has many trails,
where, among the planted trees, one might come across fine old trees, remnants
of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, which existed there beforehand. There are
beautiful lochans with forest and mountain views, where rare Dragonflies might
be seen, such as the White-faced Darter, Northern Emerald
, the Azure Hawker or
the Northern Damselfly. Follow the trail across the boggy area to see them close
by, together with the insectivorous plant, the Sundew. Many beautiful fungi can
also be seen among the trees from summer through to Christmas, including those
only found in areas once covered by the ancient forests.
Many other local walks provide opportunities to enjoy our
natural history. Just along the main road
going southwest from the centre of
Kingussie, there are floodplain fields that are alive with breeding wading birds
in spring; the air is full of the sounds of Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Snipe and
Redshank. A circular walk is possible here crossing the fields to the Spey and
returning along the Ruthven Road to the centre. It does involve crossing the
railway however. Grey
Herons may be seen fishing in the wet ditches where, in
spring, the bright yellow Marsh Marigold or Kingcup and shaggy Bogbean can be
seen flowering. In summer the fields beside the Spey are alive with flowers of
wild Pansies. Goosander, Goldeneye and Teal, as well as Mallard Ducks may be
seen on this famous salmon river, as well as fishing Ospreys. In winter the
fields often hold large flocks of Greylag Geese and, on occasions, visiting
Whooper Swans. Buzzards are always present.
If you walk up the Gynack Burn, from the centre of Kingussie, towards the famous golf course, you will find Aspen trees on the riverbank mixed with Oak, many dripping with lichens, see and hear Dipper and Grey Wagtail in the fast flowing stream, and in summer Redstarts are usually present. Wintering Waxwings from Scandinavia have also been seen along the Burn in recent years. There are several ways to continue the walk to Loch Gynack and many species of birds may be seen and interesting plants discovered. Black Grouse, Curlew, Buzzards, Greylag Geese, Siskins, Crossbills, and possibly a Golden Eagle, might be sighted. The Monadhliath Mountains are also home to nesting Ring Ouzels, Wheatears and Golden Plover in summer.
© copyright: text and photographs - Valerie and Ernest Emmett
STRATHSPEY BADGER HIDE
Come and spend an evening in a comfortable hide on the banks of the River Spey, a few yards from an established badger sett.
Your experienced guide will lead you to the badgers’ “home” and give you some interesting badger facts and figures along the way. You might also see ospreys, otters, pine martens, bats, owls and other wildfowl.
© copyright : - Allan Bantick
The hide is visited at dusk and is open from April to October. A donation of £5 per adult is requested to help the upkeep of the hide.
Strictly by prior booking to Allan Bantick
Telephone 01479 831768
Mobile 07742 666157
email allanbantick@hotmail.com
visit www.highlandbadgers.net and www.allanbantick.net for some wonderful wildlife photographs and further badger information.
New for 2004:
Wildlife viewing hide where, as dusk falls, Pine Martens and Badger can be viewed as these timid nocturnal animals seek their food. Numbers limited so must book first - telephone 01479 812498 or visit www.speysidewildlife.co.uk for information on escorted day and evening wildlife tours.