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Wherever you venture in Perthshire's great outdoors you'll feel very close to the richness of the natural world.
The area is renowned for remarkable beauty and a diverse range of habitats that support an astonishing array of plants, animals and birds. When you're out and about it's easy to see many fascinating species including those that we think of as characteristically Scottish. Bluebells nodding in the breeze, a butterfly or the briefest glimpse of a red deer stag, red squirrel or leaping salmon can add considerably to your enjoyment and provide memories to last a lifetime.
And even if you aren't lucky enough to encounter any wild animals, just knowing that they live in the vicinity makes the experience more special. In the countryside you never know what you might see or hear - each day is different and that's all part of the excitement.
Perthshire has some of the most exceptional woodlands of anywhere in Europe. Broadleaved, mixed and conifer woodlands nurture a wealth of beautiful wildlife from tiny insects and lichens to rare birds and mammals, such as capercaillie and pine marten. Trees are also deeply therapeutic for the human species and you'll find hundreds of miles of way marked woodland paths to help you unwind and connect with nature.
There's plenty drama on the water too. The mighty River Tay runs through Perthshire from source to sea and its flow is the greatest in Britain. Together with its tributaries, the Tay is home to diverse species including internationally important populations of salmon, lamprey and otter. Many Perthshire lochs attract breeding pairs of osprey, including Loch of the Lowes, near Dunkeld - one of the best places in Scotland to view these magnificent birds. To the south, Loch Leven National Nature Reserve is a wildlife hotspot of global importance for ducks and other wildfowl.
The action continues in the hills. In October the haunting sound of roaring stags echoes throughout the hills and glens as the red deer rut gets into full swing. Ben Lawers, near Loch Tay, is a National Nature Reserve and one of the top places in Britain to see mountain plants. Golden eagle and other birds of prey soar and hunt over the upland areas while, on the moorland, wild flowers flourish and red grouse and curlew make their home.
Perthshire covers 2000 square miles and the area has an outstanding number and variety of walks to suit all tastes and levels of fitness. A great way to get close to nature whatever the season. All Perthshire Tourist Information Centres can provide ideas and comprehensive leaflets, books and maps.
Tread lightly and the secrets of the wild will unfold.
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