Argaty Red Kite Project
Argaty Red Kites is central Scotland's only red kite feeding station and is situated on a working farm on the Braes of Doune. This is in the heart of central Scotland, where RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage have re-introduced the red kite. It is with their help that we, as the farm’s owners, are providing a facility for enjoying the birds, in comfort, without the risk of disturbing what is still a fragile population.
Food is put out for the kites each day throughout the year to give the birds a helping hand. Up to thirty or so are attracted to the food depending on the weather and the season. We have a brand new hide and from here you’ll have the chance to see the kites' flying acrobatics against the backdrop of our hill fields. Other birds you may be lucky enough to see include peregrine, kestrel, buzzards, sparrowhawk and hen harriers as well as a wide variety of smaller farmland birds attracted by our conservation management. A recent survey recorded over a hundred species on the farm.
The population of central Scotland kites is still small and extremely vulnerable but it is expanding steadily. The birds are easiest to see during the October to March period when the young ones are particularly gregarious. At other times of the year the birds are busy breeding and can be much more secretive - there is still a chance to see them though, along with the many other species that live on our farm.
Here at Lerrocks Farm, we want you to enjoy the countryside, see the birds and learn how farming and wildlife conservation can work hand-in-hand. While running an economic farm business on our thirteen hundred acre sheep and cattle farm we are aiming to help support wildlife and to give our visitors the chance to learn about the countryside and what we do. We are also lucky to live in a part of rural Scotland which is still very accessible from all the major routes north.
For details on visiting Argaty, including our summer guided walks, wildlife to be seen, visitor charges and directions, please phone us on 01786 841373 or click HERE.
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