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Walk with countryside rangers in native woodlands and moorlands which are havens for animal, bird and plantlife. Capture on film ospreys, red deer and red squirrel and listen for the distinctive call of the capercaillie, this rarest of woodland birds. Perthshire's outdoors is a Mecca for botanists, ornithologists or for those who simply appreciate the majesty of a landscape of mountain, water, farmlands and forest.
In Perthshire you will find some of the most remarkable trees and woodlands of anywhere in Europe. The forests, woods and country gardens offer an unrivalled assortment of glorious greenery and all within easy reach. This is Big Tree Country - home to the world's highest hedge, Europe's oldest tree, the widest conifer in Britain, the sole survivor from Shakespeare's Birnam Wood and many more fascinating champion trees.
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The gentle climate and fertile soils also make Perthshire Scotland's horticultural heaven. Our natural advantage has been boosted in recent times by the enormous community effort placed behind the 'Take A Pride In Perthshire' campaign. Large public displays and tiny front gardens alike are ablaze with colour in spring, summer and autumn, bringing national and international floral awards to several towns and villages over the last decade.
In 2008 the Fair City of Perth won a Gold Award in the RHS Britain in Bloom Floral Awards and also scooped the `Large Town/Small City Category.`
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In addition, Perthshire boasts some of the country's finest private gardens and public parks with family facilities. Nine of the region's finest gardens have pooled their resources in the Perthshire Gardens Collection and their Perthshire Season Ticket gives unlimited admission for a year to each participating garden.
Participating in the scheme are Hercules Garden at Blair Castle, the magnificent formal gardens at Drummond Castle near Crieff and at Kinross House, Kinross, Scone Palace Gardens, the Explorers' Garden at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Branklyn Garden in Perth, the great plant collection of Glendoick, the Botanic Garden at the University of Dundee and, in scenic Strathtay, the wild woodland delights of the gardens at Cluny House.
Tickets can be purchased from any of the VisitScotland Information Centres in Perthshire or from any of the participating gardens (except Cluny House and Kinross House).
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For years many visitors have been drawn to Perthshire for its environmental qualities alone. The clear air, pure waters, lush countryside contrasting with Highland grandeur have made the perfect landscape for a host of outdoor pursuits, but it is the environment itself which is as much the attraction.
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