Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the Black Isle
Contents
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest on the Black Isle
- Site 1377 Roskill
- Images
- Site 1531 The Dens
- Images
- Site 540 Drummondreach Wood
- Images
- Site 494 Dam Wood
- Images
- Site 253 Braelangwell Wood
- Images
- Site 1179 Monadh Mòr
- Images
- Site 1214 Munlochy Bay
- Images
- Site 1376 Rosemarkie to Shandwick Coast
- Images
- Site 159 Beauly Firth
- Images
- Site 467 Cromarty Firth
- Images
- Final words
Site 1377 Roskill
Link to NatureScot webpage Link
Map of the SSSI Link
GRID REFERENCE: NH 652553
AREA: 8.66 hectares
NATURAL FEATURES
Biological: Fens: Fen meadow
DESCRIPTION:
Roskill is located 1.5km north of Munlochy.
The site comprises a mosaic of wet grassland and flush with small remnants of lowland wet heath. Roskill is one of four remaining remnants of this habitat type which was once more extensive in Easter Ross and the Black Isle.
The site supports a diverse range of plants many of which are uncommon in the Highlands. Numerous small springs emanating from the lime-rich Old Red Sandstone rocks provide conditions suitable for calcium loving species. Moisture conditions vary across the site. The driest areas support a large population of globe flower (Trollius europaeus) whereas extensive stands of black bog rush (Schoenus nigricans) and broad leaved cotton grass (Eriophorum latifolium) characterise the wettest places. Several heath and upland species for example alpine bistort (Polygonum viviparum) are also present.
VISITING ROSKILL SSSI
Roskill SSSI is a tamer version of Dam Wood, but few visit because access is so difficult. There are no footpaths or safe bridges from the nearest roads, and walking a field edge is not so easy. The reserve has very uneven ground and in summer when the grass is long, you need strong ankles and experience to avoid injuries. The SSSI is an unexpected enclave of wildness and, if you visit, be careful.
Images
ENTRANCE TO THE SSSI
There is a plank over the culvert in the field alongside the gate. Otherwise it would be quite a jump. Roskill SSSI is an area of bog and woodland with calcerous flushes that support some flowers suited to the unusual ecosystem.
by Julian Paren
WOODLAND AREA
Roskill SSSI comprises a mosaic of wet grassland and flush with small remnants of lowland wet heath. Mixed woodland predominates towards the western side of the 9 hectare site.
by Julian Paren
It is difficult to find a way into this SSSI, except by scaling a fence and wall. It is also difficult to find much information about the SSSI except a short note about the flowers that are found in the calcerous flushes. The rare globeflower was evident in a drier area (as was a pine marten in a pine on the other side of the boundary wall of the SSSI).
by Julian Paren
HEATHLAND AREA
This is an area of wet heath with some Granny Scots Pine and dwarf birch.
by Julian Paren
The heathland is bordered on all sides by trees. The centre of the SSSI is very open.
by Julian Paren
After crossing a steep ditch and scaling a fence beside an inconvenient stile, you have a few difficult metres of scrub and irregular ground to cross before finding the open central area of the SSSI.
by Julian Paren
FLOWERS
Taken in an area of lowland wet heath within the Roskill SSSI: This site supports a number of plants unusual in the highlands due to springs emanating from lime-rich Old Red Sandstone rocks - producing conditions suitable for calcium loving species.
by Dr Richard Murray
Roskill SSSI has features similar to Dam Wood SSSI. I found Grass of Parnassus at Dam Wood in August 2014 NH6457 : Grass of Parnassus in the Belmaduthy Dam SSSI. Globe Flower is reported to be abundant in Dam Wood at the right season, and I spotted one in Dam Wood in July 2021 NH6457 : Globeflower in the Belmaduthy Dam SSSI.
by Julian Paren
BUTTERFLIES
Taken on wet heathland in the Roskill SSSI. This butterfly prefers damper areas than the Pearl-bordered fritillary (Clossiana euphrosyne)
by Dr Richard Murray
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