Barnluasgan

Unique wetland that's home to Scotland's wild beavers

The lochs at Barnluasgan are home to some of Scotland's newest animal residents. Families of beaver have spent the last decade building lodges and dams, creating a unique wetland landscape in the heart of Argyll.

You can visit Argyll Beaver Centre located at Barnluasgan forest. Visit their website for centre hours.

We recommend visiting at dawn or dusk for the best chance of spotting these shy animals. You'll see lots of evidence of their work at other times of day - keep an eye out for felled trees and stripped branches as you explore.

Beavers are active animals, often we have to close or divert trails around downed trees or flooding. We will manage the affected areas as quickly as possible, but ask visitors to be aware that these hazards may be present and avoid them.

Rainforest

Along the trails are beautiful hazel trees. You'll see tiny dots and script like markings on the younger stems together with the brown, grey and green leaves and scales on the older stems. These are lichens, mostly restricted to the rainforests of Scotland, Ireland and Norway. Take a magnifying glass with you to reveal a whole new world.

Above the hazelwood we have cleared non-native conifers and are restoring the rainforest.