Wildlife & Bird Watching in Dumfries & Galloway

For over 50 years, we’ve been creating a beautiful kingdom for wildlife watching in Dumfries and Galloway. Wherever possible, we’ve planted trees, enticed birds and animals to our garden, and given them a place to feel safe, breed, and live in the unspoiled nature of Orroland.

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Red Squirrels

We are particularly fond of our thriving population of red squirrels. They love the woodland around each cottage, and you’ll be sharing the woods with them while you walk. Their playful presence is just one of the many highlights of wildlife watching in Dumfries and Galloway, where Orroland offers a peaceful haven for spotting native species right on your doorstep.

Bird Watching

But that’s not all we have. If you’re an avid bird watcher, Orroland is a wonderful place to spot a wide variety of species – over 50 in total. From sparrowhawks and oystercatchers to barn owls, tawny owls, buzzards and finches, there’s always something to see or hear. Each cottage has a bird feeder in the garden, attracting colourful visitors throughout the year. In spring, you can often hear woodpeckers drumming in the woods, and if you’re especially lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon soaring overhead. Whether you’re watching from your window or out on a walk, birdlife is all around you.

Private seashore

Orroland’s private rocky seashore is a hidden gem for nature lovers and families alike. With no public access, it offers a peaceful and unspoilt setting where wildlife thrives. The shoreline is a haven for seabirds – from gulls and oystercatchers to cormorants and the occasional gannet – making it a fantastic spot for wildlife watching in Dumfries and Galloway. At low tide, the rockpools reveal a miniature world teeming with marine life, perfect for children to explore and discover crabs, anemones and tiny fish.

In the warmer months, keep an eye on the water – you may be lucky enough to spot porpoises or curious seals popping up near the shore. Whether you’re scanning the sea for marine mammals or simply enjoying the coastal solitude, Orroland’s seashore offers a truly memorable wildlife experience in a spectacular private setting.

“We will miss the buzzards and red kites soaring on the breeze and our glimpses of red squirrels and deer.”

Wonderful, restful stay at Cutlar’s Lodge, Sep 2025

“The walk through the gardens to the shoreline was a real treat with red squirrels, hares, deer and birdlife around.”

Felt right at home, Abbotsway, Feb 2026

“The gardens & fields surrounding the cottage gave us wonderful views of red squirrel, hares and deer… We… saw seals and porpoise too.”

Lovely cottage, fantastic location, Abbotsway, Aug 2025

“Lots of wildlife to watch – deer, hares, red squirrels and numerous birds.”

Magical place, Abbotsway, Jun 2025

“The wildlife is bountiful and fascinating, Red Squirrel watching is an absolute must, and look out for the Roe deer.”

Superb Rural Retreat with class!, Auchengashell, Mar 2025

Wildlife

Red Squirrels

Bird Watching

Private seashore

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