Haggii. s. hortensis
The Common Garden Haggis
Every haggis spotter needs somewhere to begin. For many, the search starts just beyond the back door.
A field guide for curious eyes and patient spotters.
Meet your garden neighbour
A Scottish adventure. Closer than you think.
At the quiet edges of a Scottish garden, a small, round neighbour may already be watching. The Common Garden Haggis keeps close to cover, slipping beneath hedges and disappearing around flower beds.
It is the first haggis to look for when your spotting adventures begin. Learn its habits, choose a quiet corner and give it time to show itself.
More about
The Garden Haggis
The Common Garden Haggis is a small and curious creature often found wandering through gardens. It has only three legs, which means it can only run comfortably in one direction around the garden. Once it starts going, it tends to keep circling the same way, usually hiding among bushes, flowerpots and garden sheds. Learning how to find your first Garden Haggis is where your journey through Scotland begins!
From the Foundation’s field notes
How to find a Garden Haggis.
Eight small steps towards your first sighting. Take your time. There is plenty to notice.
Begin your search at dusk
Head into the garden as the day grows quiet and the shadows begin to lengthen.
Leave out neeps and tatties
Place a little chopped turnip and potato beside a sheltered hedge.
03 Look for tiny tracks
Check soft soil around the flower beds for the marks of three little feet.
Check the garden edges
Look beneath hedges and among low leaves. A round, brown shape can be easy to miss.
Crouch low and stay silent
Find a comfortable spot a little way back. Let the garden settle around you.
Listen for a rustle
A twitching leaf or a soft shuffle may be your first clue that one is close.
Watch for the sideways scuttle
Three short legs carry it quickly around the garden, circling in one direction.
Let it come into view
Keep still and enjoy the sighting. Give your Garden Haggis room to carry on.
A NOTE FOR NEW SPOTTERS
The best sightings often happen just as you have decided to wait a little longer.
