A hidden paradise for nature lovers in the Moray Firth.
By Shubhaa Forrest.
The River Spey is well known to Speyside whisky lovers — its pure, fast-flowing waters being essential to the over 50 distilleries along the heart of Scottish whisky — and to salmon anglers from all corners of the world. Legend says Kelpies live in its depths, but that is a story for another day.
Such a special river could only meet the sea in one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Moray Firth: the Spey Bay Wildlife Reserve.
This scenic coastal location, featuring the largest shingle beach in Scotland, is also home to a breathtaking variety of wildlife, making it the ideal destination for nature lovers of all ages. Spey Bay is not only home to 200 lucky residents, but also to ospreys, terns, eiders and scoters, and is a regular feeding spot for bottlenose and common dolphins, minke whales, seals, porpoises and otters.
What better site could a Whales and Dolphins Conservation Centre wish for? This volunteer-run Centre is located in a former salmon-fishing station, in a prime location for observing marine life and pursuing its mission to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The Centre is open from mid-February to December, Thursday to Monday, 10.30 to 16.00, and entry is free. Its interactive exhibition offers extensive, accessible information about its marine neighbours, with volunteers available to answer your questions. One of my favourite displays records the last sightings of seals, dolphins and birds in the area, and also allows you to listen to their calls. Their porthole experience is a window into seeing those mighty, beautiful creatures moving free in the water — a unique and unforgettable experience.
But nothing is as unforgettable as borrowing a pair of binoculars from the Centre, walking up to the observation point and awaiting the magic moment when a dolphin jumps over the waves.
If you plan your visit in advance, the Centre also offers the opportunity to explore its impressive collection of whale and dolphin bones. I especially enjoyed, and recommend, their guided tour to the largest icehouse in the country, where you will learn all about Spey Bay’s salmon fishing heritage.
If you want to get actively involved, attend one of the Shorewatch training sessions at the Centre and become part of the network of volunteers carrying out regular surveys and providing vital information to improve our understanding of marine life, and how to help protect it.
And what is better, after the excitement of learning about — and, with a bit of luck and patience, spotting — a fascinating animal free in its habitat, than sitting in its charming café with a nice hot drink, enjoying a freshly cooked lunch? Or, on a sunny day, relaxing in its walled garden, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
The best way to finish this visit? For me, finding the perfect memento in their shop: clothing, books, toys, gifts or jewellery — even more so when every purchase helps the project. Or what about adopting a dolphin and receiving regular updates about your newly adopted friend? Will it be Charlie, Indigo, Rainbow or, like in my case, Spirit?
For more information and to plan your visit: https://dolphincentre.whales.org/
Author Bio: Shubhaa Forrest, born and bred in Spain, moved to the UK in 2014. After falling in love with Scotland- and with a Scotsman- she has found in the Moray Firth the perfect location to settle and focus on her career as a freelance journalist and fiction writer.
