Assynt supports many of the “specialities” of the Northern Highlands. Golden Eagles, Greenshanks, Black-throated Divers, Otters, Pine Martens, Seals and Dolphins are a few of the species that may be seen by any patient and lucky visitor.

The whole of Assynt is enclosed within a National Scenic Area with a landscape dominated by the some of the most ancient rocks in Europe. It boasts several Special Areas of Conservation and one National Nature Reserve (NNR). The limestone outcrops of Inchnadamph NNR create a nutrient-rich environment, in contrast to the otherwise acidic soil of the area, and support a rich variety of rare and unusual flora. Specialities include Mountain Avens, Viviparous Bistort and Yellow Mountain Saxifrage among others. Dark Red Helleborine and Frog Orchid occur up the Traligill River. Great views of Red Deer can be had here all year round.

Assynt has a rich and very diverse assemblage of plants and animals and birds. Some of them are unique to the area and some are seen nowhere else in Britain in such numbers. To visit Assynt is to experience amazing coastal scenery, arctic-alpine regions of the mountain tops, moorland and blanket bog, croftland and the largest area of limestone hills in Scotland.

The approach from the south must offer one of the most captivating views in Britain with the mountains of Cul Mor, Cul Beg, Canisp and Suilven standing proud in the surrounding landscape. For the visitor to Assynt there are many superb wildlife-watching opportunities.

The spectacular Assynt Coastline is a great place to search for wildlife. Otters are abundant in the sheltered sea lochs feeding in the rockpools. Common and Grey Seals are frequently seen, while the lucky and patient visitor may be rewarded by views of Dolphins, Porpoises or even Whales. Stoer lighthouse is a good spot to look across the Minch. On a calm day in summer Minke Whales can be seen fishing for sand eels, and Orcas (Killer Whales) are occasionally spotted close in, chasing Dolphins. The high sandstone cliffs at Stoer Head provide ideal nesting ledges for a variety of seabirds, while to the north lies Handa Island, an internationally important bird reserve, with huge numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, Puffins, Great Skuas and Arctic Skuas.

In the wild open spaces of moorland, mountain, loch and bog that are typically Assynt, some of the most rewarding wildlife views can be seen. The great fortress mountains of Suilven, Canisp and Quinag are home to Ptarmigan, Golden plover, Greenshank and Mountain Hares.

The slopes are decked in Thrift, Moss Campion, Mossy Cyphel and Mountain Azalea. Golden Eagles patrol the lonely glens and the lily-studded lochans are home to Red-throated and Black-throated Divers. Both species of Diver along with the Great-Northern Diver can be seen in early summer around the coast.
Remnants of ancient woodland can be a rich oasis for many plants and birds. Rare Helleborines jostle for position with Bluebells and Primroses under Birch and Hazel woodlands. It is here you are most likely to come across Pine Martens or Badgers in the tumbled boulder scree beneath the gnarled and knotted trunks.

In the crofting townships of Assynt the sound of Corncrakes is no longer guaranteed but there will be plenty of opportunities to see breeding Twite, Wheatear, Oystercatchers and Redshanks. Some of the crofts are still rich in wildflowers. Frog Orchids grow on the coastal crofts as well as Heath-spotted Orchid, the Northern Marsh, Early Purple, and delicious Fragrant Orchid.

The Highland Council Ranger Service operates a varied programme of guided walks throughout the summer and can be contacted for advice about wildlife and walks.

For more information on the wildlife of Assynt, contact the Highland Council Ranger Service on 01571 844654 or email andy.summers@highland.gov.uk