The wildlife and flora at Auchnafree are sensitively managed by our shepherds and gamekeepers.
Through the spring and early summer months you will hear the calls and song of an array of moorland birds. From Red Grouse that remain high on our heather moorland, our Black Grouse that display at their Leks in early morning, to the returning waders that come to nest on the banks of the river year after year. Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, and Snipe are just a few to name.
The snow-coated landscape of the winter months is exceptionally stunning, and a fantastic time to see wild red deer as well the Blue Mountain Hare in its winter coat. You may even spy a Golden Eagle, a sight not to be missed.
As well as wildlife, Auchnafree boasts a stunning array of flora. From the glorious purple carpet of heather on the hills to threatened, red-listed and specialist plant species including sphagnum mosses, cross-leaved heath and bilberry, all of these flourish in the conditions created by habitat and wildlife management. There is no better place to spy it all than from the top of Ben Chonzie, the Munro of Auchnafree and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Auchnafree is part of The Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group (TCSMG) which is a collection of rural estates throughout Tayside. TCSMG demonstrates the work that is undertaken to manage and protect our countryside. Head over to their facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tcsmg) to see some of the amazing wildlife present on our Moorlands.