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Wildlife Shadows
Wildlife Shadows offers a complete guided wildlife viewing service in the beautiful Scottish Borders. Here at Torwoodlee, near Galashiels, we have an abundance of wildlife which we want to share with you. Because of the way in which the Pringle Family have nurtured Torwoodlee for over 500 years, there are wild places where red squirrels and otters, barn owls and crossbills can be found, along with a multitude of other species just waiting to be spotted. Andrew Millward, our Ranger and Habitat Manager, takes small, intimate parties of visitors on specialised tours around the 3000 acre Estate; these tours are tailored to look for the flora and fauna most of interest to the individual group. We have roe deer, otters, badgers, stoats and weasels, hares and rabbits among the larger mammals; buzzards, sparrow hawks, pheasants, partridges, crows, jackdaws and rooks, pigeons, mallard and tufted duck, little grebes, coots and moorhen, lapwings, oystercatchers, curlews and red grouse among the larger birds. Occasionally we see ospreys, hen harriers, peregrines, foxes and mink. The number of other, often smaller, species is astounding and you can barely take a step without spotting something of interest. These 'lesser' species are so often overlooked in favour of more exotic species that we feel it is important to celebrate our native species from the iconic red squirrel to the cowslip, all thriving in their natural habitat - sometimes with a little help from those people living and working on the estate. By its very nature, sometimes this wildlife is difficult to track down and it can be impossible to guarantee a sighting but that is part of the special excitement which trying to find it brings. There are other items of interest, of course; we have the remains of a Pictish Broch, Iron Age terraces, remnants of the ancient Ettrick Forest which has been managed by man for at least a thousand years, two 16th century towers (one of which is reputed to be haunted) and landscapes from riverine to hilltop. When you book, either through this site or by 'phone, please let us know if there are any particular species you want to try to see or if you would prefer to have a guided walk through some stunning countryside glimpsing wildlife as you come across it. Please also let us know if you think you might have difficulties with any aspect of the session so that we can try to find a way to make life easier for you. This might involve re-organising our transport if you find walking difficult or, perhaps, trying a listening tour if you don't see too well. We look forward to welcoming you to try to find your preferred species or simply to guide you around the walks with a knowledgeable companion who can explain what you are looking at. For more information on the Pringle Family of Torwoodlee, please follow the link to the Torwoodlee website and read about 500 years of one of the Scottish Borders oldest and best known families.
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