Tentsmuir

Walk with the waves and spot sea-shells among the dunes

Tentsmuir is a magical combination of forest trails that dip and weave between tall trees and open sand dunes. There’s rich wildlife. Coastal grassland is dotted with wildflowers in spring and summer, while great flocks of seabirds feed on shellfish.

If you're lucky you may see red squirrels in the trees and roe deer in the undergrowth. You might even see seals basking on the sand! But remember, if you do spot seals, keep your distance so you don't disturb them.

The Morton Lochs on the western edge of the forest are part of Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve. There are four hides where you can watch waterbirds and dragonflies. The dunes and sand flats at Tentsmuir Point and Tayport Heath are all part of the reserve too.

People have lived, hunted and worked here for thousands of years. Tools and a fire pit from a Stone Age hunters’ camp have been found near Morton Lochs. In the Second World War, Tentsmuir was part of a long line of defences along Scotland’s east coast. Polish troops who were based here built hundreds of concrete blocks as an anti-tank barrier. Once at the sea’s edge, now many of them are buried in the dunes. Every time the sand shifts, there’s a chance that new evidence of Tentsmuir’s past might be uncovered.