Fauna
Although the area immediately around Baltersan is given over to arable and dairy farming, the variety of wildlife is still considerable. Occasionally young deer race past the castle with a speed and agility that goes un-noticed by the bovine herds.
Apart from the common seed-eating small birds one would expect in the vicinity of farms, frequent visitors include Heron, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Kestrel, Buzzard and Barn Owl. In summer Swallows and House Martins delight as they swoop over meadows, feeding on the wing.
One of the largest gannet colonies in the world, with over 30,000 breeding pairs, is on the island of Ailsa Craig, which is also home to guillemots and puffins.
A little further afield is Galloway Forest Park, famous for its deer and Red Kite population.
The food chain that sustains the varied bird populations is a delicately balanced one and the development at Baltersan offers an opportunity to replace lost habitats and enhance bio-diversity. Fortunately, with the co-operation of the Trustees of Culzean & Cassillis Estates, Ailsa Craig is under the safe custodianship of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
The red squirrel is one of Scotland's most charming creatures and its decline is a cause for serious concern. None have been seen in the immediate area around Baltersan but they have been sighted within a few miles radius.
Further information:
http://wildlife.visitscotland.com/unique/ayrshirearran
http://www.snh.org.uk/ (Scottish Natural Heritage)
http://www.rspb.org.uk/ (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)