Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Wood of Cree
PenninghameOpenSee opening timesDiscover the wild and enchanting Wood of Cree, busy with Red Squirrels and birdsong. Get your wellies on to explore the Bluebell-rich woodlands and waterfalls: home to Redstarts, Leisler’s Bats, and Garden Warblers.
About
The Wood of Cree is the perfect place to get lost for the day – in fact, it’s the largest ancient wood in southern Scotland. In spring, it comes alive with Bluebells on the ground and the sounds of Pied Flycatchers and warblers. It’s also the perfect place to see Willow Tits, as well as Barn and Tawny Owls.
It’s a wonderful home for Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, and Wood Warblers, which all arrive from Africa in May and make the reserve their home for the summer. You can spot up to eight types of bat in the woods, including the rare and secretive Leisler's Bat.
As well as the woodland, there are areas of wood pasture, open moorland, wet floodplain woodland, fen and grassland and scrub, meaning there’s so much wildlife to discover. Each area is home to interesting and unique wildlife like including Black Grouse, Willow Tit, Whinchat, Grasshopper Warbler, and Cuckoo. In the rivers, you may even spot an otter.
At a glance
Open at all times. Two large car parks. One at Barclye Wood, 3 miles (5 km) from Newton Stewart. One at Wood of Cree, 1 mile further on. There is no lighting in the car parks. No height restrictions. Crushed stone aggregate surface.
There are no toilets here. The nearest accessible public toilets are at Riverside car park in Newton Stewart around three miles away. There is a charge.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are at Riverside car park in Newton Stewart around three miles away. There is a charge.
Nature trails very steep, rough and uneven in parts.
Nature trails very steep, rough and uneven in parts.
There are no toilets here. The nearest public toilets are at Riverside car park in Newton Stewart around three miles away. There is a charge.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
RSPB Scotland welcomes responsible access, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. During the ground-nesting bird breeding season (1 April to 15 August) and in areas with livestock, we would ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and clean up after them.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Wood of Cree
wood.cree@rspb.org.uk Wood of Cree, Newton, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 6RJ 01776 840 539