Strathglass and the Glens are home to diverse varities of flora and fauna. The combination of the Caledonian Pine Woods together with numerous lochs, moorland and mountains provide a vast array of habitats favourable to many species of animal and plant life. The Scots Pine, often growing in excess of 60 feet, can survive for up to 300 years. In our woodlands you will also find a number of other trees including Silver Birch, Alder, Rowan, Willow, Aspen, Hazel, Holly, Juniper and Oak.
Besides Heathers and Mosses there is also an abundance of other lower growing plant life including Blueberry, Cowberry and 'wetland' species such as Butterwort and Sundew. A number of Orchids are fairly common including the Heath Spotted Orchid.
Larger mammals such as Roe, Sika and Red Deer can be seen throughout the area particularly on the lower ground in winter. Badgers are fairly common and the Red Squirrel population appears to be on the increase. The predatory Pine Marten, now a protected species, thrives around woodland areas. Stoats and Weasals are also at home here but perhaps more difficult to find. You may be lucky and catch a glimpse of Otters in the River Glass or the Lochs.
Visitors are often impressed with the variety of insect life found around Strathglass - except the midge of course! Butterflies including the Pearl-Bordered Fritilliary, Scotch Argus, Speckled Wood, Painted Lady and Green Hairstreak are usually not too hard to find on a warm sunny day. Dragonflies such as the Golden-Ringed and Common Hawker are found over a wide area. Coire Loch in Glen Affric is recognised as one of the most important dragonfly locations in the UK - a number of species rare to Britain and Europe breed here.
Other insects of note include a variety of beetles - including the Tiger and Dung Beetles and perhaps less common Longhorn.
The reptile population also appears quite healthy. Toads, frogs and lizards are common, while you might have the opportunity to get a close look at a Slow Worm or perhaps even an Adder!
Some 100 species of birds have been recorded in Glen Affric alone. Golden Eagles are present while Ospreys have been seen fishing around Dog Falls. Other birds of prey such as the Buzzard are quite common. Ptarmigan are found on the mountain tops. You can also expect to find Red and Black-Throated Divers and several other water birds such as Waders and Herons.
The Pinewoods are home to a small population of Capercaillie, while Scottish Crossbills and Crested Tits are found in greater numbers. The endangered Black Grouse is present in small numbers and is subject to careful conservation work. The RSPB Reserve at Corrimony has been managed to protect and hopefully increase numbers.