You don’t have to travel to the Highlands or the Scottish islands to experience amazing wildlife. From kingfishers flashing along city rivers to foxes wandering quiet streets at dawn, otters swimming beneath urban bridges and peregrine falcons soaring above historic buildings, Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians are home to an incredible variety of wild animals and birds.

Go Wild in Edinburgh celebrates the remarkable wildlife that can be found right on our doorstep. Whether you’re looking for the best places to watch or photograph local wildlife, or you simply want to discover more about Edinburgh’s hidden natural spaces, you’ll find inspiration, photography and practical information throughout this website.

I’m Tom Kelly, an urban wildlife photographer based here in Edinburgh. The website began in 2020 as part of my recovery, following total knee replacement surgery.  At the start of 2021, I decided to walk 10,000 steps a day for 1 year to help the recovery process.  I started exploring the city’s parks, rivers and woodlands with my camera before concentrating on the 12.75 mile stretch of the Water of Leith walkway that runs through the centre of Edinburgh.  What began as a way to get back on my feet, soon became a passion for documenting the wildlife, living alongside us, in the city.

Since then, my photographs have been featured by local and national newspapers, magazines and websites, and have appeared on television programmes including BBC Winterwatch.

My photos & videos have also been used by organisations including The Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council, BBC Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust, The Scots Magazine, VisitScotland and NatureScot for their websites, publications, reports, promotional campaigns and social media.

Please also check out the NEWS – LATEST PHOTOS section of the website, for my latest blog and monthly videos.

VISIT MY EXHIBITION

I’m delighted to have a second exhibition of 45 framed wildlife photographs on display at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre on Lanark Road, Edinburgh.

The exhibition features a selection of my favourite urban wildlife images captured along the Water of Leith and is free to visit. I’d encourage you to stop for a tea or coffee in the visitor centre café, where every purchase helps support the valuable conservation work of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.  The Visitor Centre is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm (Monday–Sunday).

BUY PRINTS

Prints are available for purchase & I have a large selection, in a variety of sizes & finishes.  They start at under a fiver for a 6″ x 4″ print and you can find these on my Scottish wildlife website – www.tomkelly.co.uk

…& Finally

I do hope these photos encourage you to take a wander (& a camera) around Edinburgh’s green spaces & waterways & be more aware of the wildlife around us.  Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer, a keen birdwatcher or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, there’s always something waiting to be discovered.

You, too, could Go Wild In Edinburgh

Thanks for checking out the site – Tom