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Description
Heriot-Watt is a combination of woodlands, farmlands, and grasslands. Because of its location outside of the city centre, wildlife can be found in abundance out here, including roe deer, foxes, badgers and stoats. A plethora of birds also call this campus home, thanks to the shelter provided in the woodlands that surround the campus, the farmlands utilised for studies by the university, and untouched fields and grasslands scattered throughout the campus. Throughout farmlands, Common Pheasant can be found in impressive numbers. Eurasian Kestrel are also a common site over the wild fields, while closer to the woodlands, Sparrowhawk are more likely to be found.
Tawny Owl call the woods around the campus home, as well as often grumpy (or cheerful?) Goldcrest. Shy Eurasian Jay can also be spotted in the woods, though they are elusive. Stock Dove are also commonly found here.
The University is also home to a large Black-headed Gull colony that nests every year on top of the Cameron Smail Library. Do be careful around this building, particularly around fledgling season, for the gulls are not shy and students have discovered the hard way why baby gulls should be left alone.
At the main pond at the centre of campus, a variety of common water fowl can be found here, including Mute Swan. On occasion, Goosander will also come here. The Mute Swans also breed on this pond, so cygnets will be seen during breeding season.
Details
Access
Heriot-Watt Campus is located on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. There is parking on campus, as well as a car park just outside of campus as Hermiston Park and Ride. Press P on the map for directions. The campus is accessibly by bus, including the 45, 35, 34, and 25.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Pond , Park , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , City/villageConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The campus has several paved wide paths that are appropriate for wheelchair use, so birding is accessible. There are also several small unpaved hiking paths through the woodlands.