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
Balranald
Hogda GearraidhOpenSee opening timesSweeping sandy beaches, a craggy foreshore peppered with rockpools, wind-sculpted sand dunes and wildflower-rich grassland. Welcome to Balranald nature reserve.
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About
Found on the beautiful Scottish island of North Uist, this Hebridean wildlife haven is a fantastic place to learn about traditional crofting agriculture while you spot Corncrakes, Lapwings and maybe even Porpoises out in the bay.
Balranald is a key site in the UK Corncrake recovery programme. We work with local crofters to grow late-cut hay crops, which provide early cover for Corncrakes to breed in. Balranald is also home to many other breeding birds, including Red-necked Phalarope, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Lapwing and Snipe. We also see farmland birds, such as Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Twite, Skylark and Song Thrush.
At a glance
12 spaces. Car parking available at the visitor centre.
Situated in the visitor centre.
There are no public baby changing facilities within a reasonable distance of this reserve.
The reserve is partially pushchair friendly.
Three miles (4.5 km), mainly flat circular nature trail. Allow approximately 1-2 hours. Mainly natural and uneven crofting land, with stony and soft/ wet areas.
No seating apart from bench with back and arm rests outside Visitor Centre.
Situated in the visitor centre.
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.
Please keep dogs under control at all times. This nature reserve is important for wildlife.
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) we would ask that you keep your dog close to you, preferably on a short lead.
Livestock present for most of the year, keep your dog under close control at all times and please clean up after your dog.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Balranald
outerhebrides@rspb.org.uk Balranald, Isle of North Uist, Eilean Siar, HS6 5DL 01876 714 040