Woodland of the Black Isle
Contents
- Introduction to the Black Isle
- How to best use this article
- Black Isle Woods promoted by the Woodland Trust
- Exceptional Woods - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- Special Woods - Woodlands of Significant Conservation Interest
- One hundred Black Isle Woods waiting to be explored
- Lifetime and age of woods
- My favourite Black Isle woods
- Comprehensive catalogue by region
- Avoch and Killen
- Conon Bridge
- Contin - beyond the Black Isle
- Cromarty
- Dingwall - beyond the Black Isle
- Ferintosh
- Fortrose and Rosemarkie
- Garve
- Killearnan
- Knockbain
- Marybank, Scatwell and Strathconon - beyond the Black Isle
- Maryburgh - beyond the Black Isle
- Muir of Ord - within the Black Isle
- Muir of Ord - beyond the Black Isle
- Resolis
- Strathpeffer - beyond the Black Isle
- Acknowledgements
Knockbain
Allanglachwood
A number of footpaths criss-cross Allanglachwood.
by Julian Paren
Arrie Wood - CI Grade 2
Birch wood with species-rich watercourses and areas of Scots pine.
Size of Wood: 15 hectares.
Geology: Old Red Sandstone conglomerate.
Soils: Brown earth, acidic-neutral.
Habitats: a. Large open areas dominated by bracken, bramble and nettle with substantial regeneration of birch. b. Small streams. c. Rocky outcrops/sea cliffs. d. Wet and flushed areas adjacent to streams. e. Fallen trees and branches, some standing dead wood. f. Heathland.
Woodland Types: 12A - Birch with rowan with small areas of >11A - pine/birch.
Description: Although the existing tree cover is limited, the area contains substantial regeneration of birch, which given sufficient release from grazing pressure will soon cover the whole area. The remnant of woodland alongside the small streams are species-rich, and provide a nucleus for future regeneration. Therefore, the wood has great potential if permitted to expand. At present, birch (mostly ~endula) is dominant with abundant Salix aurita and S. caprea. Mature Pinus sylvestris occurs in three locations and has Goodyera repens associated in one location. The ground flora is very valuable, ranging from heathland on higher slopes, to enriched areas along watercourses, with Brachypodium. Along sea cliffs Luzula sylvatica is dominant. Aspen occurs in one location on the cliffs.
Species of Note: Brachypodium sylvaticum Goodyera repens
Faunal Interest: Heronry.
Land Use Pressures: Grazing.
CI Grade 2 - Would merit management to assist regeneration.
Bellton Wood
This forest road has seen heavy action in the last six months. Many trees have been felled when the area was thinned, and many log stacks were created and then removed. Odd stacks remain, but there seems no logic as to why some have been moved in preference to others.
by Julian Paren
Black Wood
A grassy track here with heather and pines.
by Julian Paren
Bogallan Wood
Extensive clearing and replanting has been carried out in Bogallan Wood. Few people would be aware of all the activity.
by Julian Paren
Broomhill Wood
A wood in name only. The wood must have been clear-felled relatively recently, and all that is left is brash with broom and rosebay willowherb.
by Julian Paren
Craigiehowe Wood - CI Grade 2
Birch wood with rowan partly occupying former pine plantation.
Size of Wood: 30 hectares.
Geology: Old Red Sandstone conglomerate.
Soils: Brown earth, acidic-neutral.
Habitats: a. Occasional open areas dominated by bracken and grasses. b. Some small streams. c. Occasional rocky outcrops. d. Some flushed areas, base-rich and acidic bogs (NE end only. e. Fallen/standing trees and branches. f. Rough grassland/heath/arable farmland/tracks.
Woodland Types: 12A birch with rowan.
Description:
Much of this wood is regenerating on the site of a former pine plantation, producing an even-aged structure over large areas. The NE section of the wood is adjacent to heathland area, and is dominated by Calluna and Vaccinium. The section adjacent to Craigiehowe Farm contains a high proportion of Salix spp. and the herb layer is dominated by Athyrium filix-femina with Oxalis and Viola spp. Pyrola minor occurs in several locations in the wood. A large area has been coppiced and seedlings are present throughout.
Species of Note: Pyrola minor
Land Use Pressures: Grazing in NE section.
Adjacent Land: Rough grazing/arable.
CI Grade 2
Dam Wood, Belmaduthy SSSI
Link to NatureScot webpage Link
GRID REFERENCE: NH 642570
AREA: 18.98 hectares
NATURAL FEATURES
Biological:
Lowland heath: Lowland wet heath
Fen: Springs (including flushes)
Invertebrates: Moths
DESCRIPTION
Dam Wood lies close to the Mulbuie Ridge, midway between Munlochy and Culbokie.
It is notified for lowland wet heath, springs (including flushes) and moths. The site is dominated by lowland wet heath which is crossed by numerous runnels and seepages emanating from the calcium-rich Old Red Sandstone rocks. These lime-rich habitats were once extensive in East Ross and Cromarty and Dam Wood is the largest of four such remnants.
The wet heath is dominated by ling Calluna vulgaris, bell heather Erica cinerea and cross leaved heath Erica tetralix. Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea is locally abundant. Of particular interest is the extensive population of Juniper Juniperus communis which occurs within the wet heath but also across the whole site. The plant communities associated with the flushes are markedly different from the wet heath and support a range of small sedges such as long-stalked yellow sedge Carex lepidocarpa as well as species more normally found in upland plant communities such as globe flower Trollius europaeus and alpine bistort Polygonum viviparum.
The site also supports the narrow-bordered bee hawk moth, a nationally rare species, and the chestnut-coloured carpet, a moth whose larvae feed on juniper.
Belmaduthy Dam, a heathland with juniper, willow bushes and pine trees, is intersected by calcareous runnels in which grow black bog-rush, tawny sedge, carnation sedge, broad-leaved cotton grass and yellow saxifrage. In June and July the site supports a profusion of orchids including twayblade, coralroot, early marsh, Northern marsh, lesser butterfly and heath spotted, as well as other lime-loving plants such as globeflower, northern bedstraw and grass of Parnassus. The openness of the vegetation must be maintained by autumn grazing using a neighbouring farmer’s sheep or cattle.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website provides some information about the site
Link
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website provides some information about the site
Link
by Julian Paren
Ditch Wood
In the past this has been a dead-end footpath, but recent thinning has opened up other routes through Ditch Wood.
by Julian Paren
Drumderfit Hill
A minor footpath, unseen before, took us through this area of Drumderfit Hill.
by Julian Paren
Drumsmittal Plantation
A wide old road that would never see a vehicle which is a pleasure to walk. And seen in the winter with the afternoon sun streaming through the trees is seeing the area at its best.
by Julian Paren
Drumsmittal Wood
A narrow path runs parallel to the feature marked as a track on the OS 1:25,000 map.
by Julian Paren
East Knockbain Wood
Much of the wood appears to be horizontal from windblow. In this sector of East Knockbain Wood there was less damage apparent.
by Julian Paren
Holy Wood
A path that in places was easy to follow, yet making a circuit of the wood by such tracks did provide some false leads.
by Julian Paren
Kessock Wood
The track can form part of a circular walk from the car park on Ord Hill.
by Julian Paren
Kilmuir Ashwood - CI Grade 2
Bare trees still and celandine underfoot on a wood that extends to the sea.
by Julian Paren
Ashwood with birch - uncertain origin.
Size of Wood: 4 hectares.
Geology: Old Red Sandstone conglomerate.
Soils: Well drained brown earth.
Habitats: a. Open areas dominated by Pteridium and Urtica. b. Outcrops of conglomerate. c. Occasional wet areas associated with springs. d. Fallen trees and branches. e. Rocky shore; sea; arable and pasture; track; graveyard.
Woodland Types: 12A - Birch and rowan/3Ab? ash-hazel (hazel absent). It is not clear if the ash occurs naturally, or is derived from planted trees.
Description:
This is principally an ashwood, although the northern end is dominated by birch. Blackthorn and rose are the main shrubs, although hawthorn and elder occur. Juniper is also present. The herb layer is dominated by Pteridium, Urtica and Holcus spp with Rubus fruticosus. Brachypodium sylvaticum is present along the shore line, Silene dioica and Hyacinthoides occur throughout.
Wet areas and flushes associated with springs contain Chrysosplenium spp, Filipendula and Angelica with plentiful Lycopus europaeus.
Species of Note: Brachypodium sylvaticum Lycopus europaeus
Land Use Pressures: Cattle grazing.
CI Grade 2
Littleburn Wood
Littleburn Wood is a mixed wood with some fine specimen trees as well as native species. It is owned by Forestry and Land Scotland. In one corner of the wood is The Clootie Well. The FCS website says "The brightly-coloured rags or 'cloots' tied to the branches of ash and beech trees are tokens for wishes and prayers at this haunting place." The trees elsewhere in the wood are finer than the rags!!!
by Julian Paren
Loch Lundie Wood - CI Grade 2
This path has steep up-and-down sections and areas where bracken predominates in the woodland.
by Julian Paren
Mixed pine/birch (11A) with birch/rowan (12A).
Size: 70 hectares for Taindore Wood together with Loch Lundie Wood
Soils: Brown earth and sandy areas.
Geology: Old Red Sandstone conglomerate.
Habitats: a. Some small glades. b. Two lochs. c. Outcrops of conglomerate. d. Small boggy areas. e. Occasional dead/fallen trees.
Woodland Types:
Pine/birch (11A) - including some pine plantation, with birch/rowan (12A).
Description:
This is a very varied and attractive area of woodland with good plant communities, representative of this type of woodland on the east coast. The wood covers a rocky (conglomerate) ridge, adjacent to the sea, and flanked along the NW edge by a loch and extensive reed beds. The wood contains a good mix of age classes, with frequent-abundant regeneration of both birch and pine. Goodyera repens occurs in the pine stands at the head of Loch Lundie.
The herb layer is dominated throughout by Calluna and/or Vaccinium with some areas of Holcus/Agrostis. Some wet areas occur adjacent to the two lochs (one of which is practically dry in summer), with Carex rostrata. A good wood, which should be protected from interference if possible. In combination with the other woods/habitats of the area, this is a valuable site, worthy of further survey.
Species of Note: Goodyera repens
Faunal Interest: Roe/buzzard
Land Use Pressures: Some grazing/some forestry/pheasant rearing.
Adjacent Land: Arable and grazing.
CI Grade 2
Manse Plantation
It is always a pleasure to take this road when the beech trees are in full autumn colour.
by Julian Paren
Ord Hill, North Kessock
Very springy underfoot.
by Julian Paren
The Woodland Trust website says: So close to Inverness, great place to walk the dog as you come into town. Lovely, easy trails, from just a mile or so to a few miles. Couple of car parks right by the walks. Nice broad paths with trees well spaced so the kids can explore
by Julian Paren
The Woodland Trust website says: So close to Inverness, great place to walk the dog as you come into town. Lovely, easy trails, from just a mile or so to a few miles. Couple of car parks right by the walks. Nice broad paths with trees well spaced so the kids can explore
Paulfield Wood 1 - CI Grade 3
A gate leads into the wood beyond a stream crossed by a plank. However it appears the gate is usually locked. I spoke to the owner of the wood and he said he was restricting access because he was clearing up after the recent storms. Reassuringly he said walkers were welcome to the wood, but he questioned whether there was a Right of Access. The wood, Paulfield I, was visited by the SNH team who studied many of the natural woodlands of Easter Ross.
by Julian Paren
Size 12 hectares
Birch/rowan woodland.
Description: Typical east-coast birch woodland, grazed by cattle/sheep, with no notable species. However, regeneration of birch is abundant, of several age classes. Ulex europaeus is abundant in some areas. Herblayer dominated by Holcus spp with commune.
CI Grade 3
Paulfield Wood 2 - CI Grade 3
The woodland is adjacent to a plantation of Scots Pine and contains some ancient specimens. The wood is predominately birchwood with rowan, and mosses are abundant.
by Julian Paren
Size 6 hectares
Birch/rowan (12A) and pine/birch (11A).
Description: The woodland is adjacent to an old plantation of Pinus sylvestris and contains some very ancient specimens. Birch has been heavily coppiced and is very dense in places. Herblayer dominated by Holcus and Agrostis spp with plentiful Oxalis, Viola and Molinia. Mosses are abundant.
CI Grade 3
Pheasant Wood
Just outside Munlochy is a wood beside the main A832 road which provides a good environment for exercise for people and their dogs.
by Julian Paren
Redburn Muir
An intriguing area of lochans and huts exist in the woodland setting
Schoolhouse Wood
There are no formal paths in this area of the wood, so you just see where animal tracks take you.
by Julian Paren
Shantullich Wood
One mature Silver Birch, one beech and a large number of your rowan trees sprouting from a cut at floor level.
by Julian Paren
Taindore Pasture
A pleasant path that even has a couple of bridges to cross minor streams. Not mapped, but clearly used by some people as part of a circular walk from Arpafeelie. The path follows the edge of a cleared area of woodland.
by Julian Paren
Taindore Wood - CI Grade 2
The Black Isle looks fine in the autumn. There are two places on the ridge of Taindore Wood where there are extensive views.
by Julian Paren
Mixed pine/birch (11A) with birch/rowan (12A).
Size: 70 hectares for Taindore Wood together with Loch Lundie Wood
Soils: Brown earth and sandy areas.
Geology: Old Red Sandstone conglomerate.
Habitats: a. Some small glades. b. Two lochs. c. Outcrops of conglomerate. d. Small boggy areas. e. Occasional dead/fallen trees.
Woodland Types:
Pine/birch (11A) - including some pine plantation, with birch/rowan (12A).
Description:
This is a very varied and attractive area of woodland with good plant communities, representative of this type of woodland on the east coast. The wood covers a rocky (conglomerate) ridge, adjacent to the sea, and flanked along the NW edge by a loch and extensive reed beds. The wood contains a good mix of age classes, with frequent-abundant regeneration of both birch and pine. Goodyera repens occurs in the pine stands at the head of Loch Lundie.
The herb layer is dominated throughout by Calluna and/or Vaccinium with some areas of Holcus/Agrostis. Some wet areas occur adjacent to the two lochs (one of which is practically dry in summer), with Carex rostrata. A good wood, which should be protected from interference if possible. In combination with the other woods/habitats of the area, this is a valuable site, worthy of further survey.
Species of Note: Goodyera repens
Faunal Interest: Roe/buzzard
Land Use Pressures: Some grazing/some forestry/pheasant rearing.
Adjacent Land: Arable and grazing.
CI Grade 2
Tullich Wood
Tullich Wood looking east towards the low sun. Part of the morning walk ritual with our dog.
by Julian Paren
Upper Knockbain Wood
This section of path is dry most of the year although accessing it normally needs wellingtons. Not so this summer - dry as a bone, even in the notoriously wet section.
by Julian Paren
Woodend Belt
The woods that border the fields of Tullich Steading are in part called Tullich Wood and part Woodend Belt. The floor is dominated by mosses and moss-covered tree stumps. Adjacent to this site is Roskill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
by Julian Paren
Woodside of Drumnamarg
This woodland has moss mounds and coniferous trees away from the main A835 road,
by Julian Paren
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