Carrifran Wildwood

📌 Nature reserve near Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway
★★★

Branching off from beautiful Moffat Dale, Carrifran Glen has been the site of one of southern Scotland’s most ambitious rewilding projects since the turn of the millennium. The Borders Forest Trust aims to restore the valley to its wooded, wildlife-rich origins through native tree planting, encouraging bird and animal species to return over time. Paths form a short loop from the car park, with a worthwhile (though soggy in places) extension on the far side of the circuit heading much further up the glen; allow a couple of hours for a quiet stroll. Although still relatively early days on the road to ecological health, the difference between this “wildwood” and other parts of Moffat Dale (such as Grey Mare’s Tail) is already noticeable in sights and sounds. Jays, buzzards, long-tailed tits, thrushes, numerous other small forest birds and lizards were all part of our April visit.