• The Hidden Peninsula

• Wildlife abounds

• The Effects of Man

• Exploring Taynish

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As well as woodland, which has existed here for the past 6000 years, the reserve has other attractive and interesting areas including scrub, bog, coastline, grassland and heath, all providing a home for a variety of wildlife.

Because of this long history of native woodlands with its richness of habitat and wildlife, Taynish is recognised nationally and internationally for its high conservation value.

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Wildlife abounds

At Taynish there is always something special to see.

Visit in the spring and the woodlands will be carpeted with bluebells and masses of other colourful flowering plants. Taynish is of special interest for the abundance and variety of non-flowering plants, the mosses, lichens and ferns, that clothe the trees and boulders. These "lower" plants thrive in the humid conditions so typical of the west coast. Many have restricted world distribution.

With a rich variety of plants available as a food source, it is not surprising that the reserve supports a large and wide range of insects. Of particular interest are the colourful butterflies and dragonflies, so look out for these as you walk down the reserve track on a warm summer’s day. Taynish is one of the best places in Scotland for butterflies, with up to 20 different kinds seen each summer.

In turn, the insects provide a rich food source for the birds. In spring the resident woodland birds such as the Buzzard and Great Spotted Woodpecker are joined by summer visitors from Africa.

Redstart and Wood Warbler arrive filling the woods with birdsong. Try to identify the birds and their songs as you walk through the woods early one spring morning.

Sit back quietly in the wood and, if lucky, you may glimpse one of the reserve’s secretive mammals, a roe deer hiding in the trees or an otter fishing round the coastline.

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The Effects of Man

In the past man has used Taynish for farming, timber, charcoal production and peat. A major activity which shaped the wood into what we see today was the coppice production in the 19th century. Many charcoal platforms are present throughout the reserve.

We are presently carrying out active woodland management in part of the reserve to encourage the natural regeneration of our native trees. This includes:

• fencing to exclude deer

• growth tubes around seedlings

• limited grazing of areas by cattle to maintain variety

Today the main aim is to allow the reserve to develop as naturally as possible so that we and future generations can continue to enjoy it.

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Exploring Taynish

You are free to visit and explore the reserve at any time. It is best to follow the track marked on the map leading south from the car park to the coast. It will take about an hour to walk to the shore.

During your visit to Taynish please:

• Do not leave litter

• Avoid all risks of fire

• Respect the privacy of private property on the peninsula

• Do not pick wild flowers: leave them for others to see and enjoy

• Close all gates and keep dogs under control.

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