Situated on the north-western edge of Edinburgh, Cammo Estate Nature Reserve is one of the city’s finest places to experience woodland wildlife. Its ancient trees, open parkland, pond and meadows create a rich variety of habitats, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers throughout the year.
One of the first signs that spring is on its way is the unmistakable sound of great spotted woodpeckers drumming high in the trees as they establish their territories. The woodland is alive with birdsong, and it’s easy to spot familiar favourites including wrens, robins, blackbirds, dunnocks and sparrows, alongside great tits, blue tits, coal tits and long-tailed tits busily feeding among the branches.
Cammo is also an excellent place to watch finches, with flocks often moving through the woodland in search of food. For me, though, the nuthatch is always the star of the show. These birds are fascinating to watch as they effortlessly climb both up and down tree trunks in search of insects, often calling loudly as they move through the canopy.
Keep your eyes on the skies as well as the woodland. Sparrowhawks regularly dart between the trees with incredible speed and agility, using the cover of the woodland to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting songbirds. It’s one of nature’s most impressive displays of skill and precision. Buzzards are also seen soaring overhead, their distinctive calls carrying across the estate as they circle on rising warm air.
The estate is home to more than just birds. Roe deer are regularly seen browsing quietly in the early morning or late evening, while the pond and grasslands support frogs, dragonflies, butterflies and a host of other insects during the warmer months.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk beneath the ancient trees or spending time quietly watching the wildlife, Cammo Estate is a wonderful place to enjoy nature just a few miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. Every visit offers something different, making it a location you’ll want to return to throughout the changing seasons.