Galloway Forest Park is a paradise for wildlife watchers. It’s a colourful place – look out for red squirrels amongst the trees, red deer silhouetted on the skyline and golden eagles soaring overhead.

Look and listen wherever you go

Scamper along to the red squirrel hide at Kirroughtree for a good chance of seeing these much-loved creatures. Right across the Forest Park you’re likely to hear the chatter of woodland birds and the mewing cry of buzzards or spot roe deer darting through the trees. You may even encounter some of our more elusive residents, like nightjars, water voles and otters.

Get up close and personal

It’s easy to meet Britain’s largest land mammal at the Red Deer Range. There’s a viewing area and hide, guided walks throughout the summer and the spectacle of the annual rut in October, when the stags fight it out for the attention of the females.

Our colourful long-haired goats are not to be missed either. You should get great views of this ancient breed from the car park on The Queen’s Way. Stop here in spring to spot their cute new-born kids.

Keep your eyes on the skies for our magnificent red kites too. Take the Galloway Kite Trail, a 24 mile (40km) tour around Loch Ken that includes viewing points, trails and a feeding station.