Venue Description

The Loch Garten Nature Centre at RSPB Abernethy offers a great opportunity for you and your family to have some good-value, nature-fun in a glorious setting. The centre sits in the stunning and rare Caledonian pine forest, close to Loch Garten, and is home to the world-famous osprey nest. Red squirrels, woodpeckers, voles, siskins and crested tits all visit our feeders regularly. We have live and recorded footage of the osprey nest and other wildlife on the reserve and friendly staff to help you make the most of your visit and deliver illustrated talks. Binoculars and telescopes are provided so you can view the wildlife and the ospreys, if they are at home. Hands-on nature activities are available, including bug hunting and a digital microscope for viewing skulls, feathers and other natural goodies on a big screen. A series of interpretive panels offer insights into the habitats and wildlife of the reserve, including panels aimed at children. Our shop sells fresh-brewed coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, snacks, binoculars, gifts, toys and books. There’s a seating and picnic area where you can enjoy a coffee while you watch the bird feeders. Our forest trails take you through beautiful pine forest to Loch Garten and Loch Mallachie and we run a series of guided walks during the spring, summer and autumn. With some of the best wildlife in the UK, tranquil forest trails in a stunning landscape and our team of friendly staff to welcome you, we're sure you'll find something to love at Loch Garten.

Accessibility

Access across the whole site is on one level or accessible by permanent ramps. The Welcome Kiosk is at the car park, from there it is 250m to the Nature Centre up a hard, compacted track with a slight incline. There are 2 benches on the track. A transit wheelchair is available for use. One car can drive up to the Nature Centre if the distance is too far (ask at Welcome Kiosk). The Nature Centre is accessible by a ramp onto decking in front of the centre and the main door has a push-pad to open / close. The centre is open-plan with level access throughout. Staff have disability awareness training.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/loch-garten/accessibility/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-scotland-loch-garten-nature-centre

Awards List

Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star Attraction Green Tourism Award

Toilets

There is one disabled accessible toilet at reception. Due to environmental restrictions our toilets are all environmentally friendly composting toilets. The toilet has both horizontal and vertical handrails with level entry and no steps. There is room for a wheelchair and carer. In an emergency, there is no alarm or flashing light, but staff are within earshot. Flooring is textured lino. No handbasins, hand cleaning is by handwipes.

Staff

Staff have all received disability awareness training and will always assist your visit, whether it be through a one to one conversation or giving you artefacts to handle (eg skulls, feathers etc). Staff are available to assist with some mobility / accessibility issues.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

During ground nesting bird season dogs should be on a lead (April 1 to August 15) and under close control at all other times when on the nature reserve. There are open areas in the nearby village of Nethy Bridge where dogs can be let off a lead. Please clean up after your dog.

Other assistance dog facilities

Assistance dogs can use the car park as a toilet area but owners must ensure to clean up after their dog.