Drummondreach Wood

Also within

Ross and Cromarty County

Condition (NatureScot)

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Gorge / Ravine

Description

DRUMMONDREACH WOOD Drummondreach Wood is a small oakwood on the Black Isle 4kms to the north east of Conon Bridge and a short distance from the shore of the Cromarty Firth. The woodland is very diverse for such a small area and is dominated by pedunculate oak quercus robur and downy birch betula pubescens. Other species include rowan, aspen, bird cherry, wych elm, ash and hazel. A small ravine in the centre of the wood has been undisturbed for a long time and supports much ash and hazel, while bird cherry thickets are a feature in wetter areas. Beech was planted at the south-west corner of the site but these are now over mature and decaying quickly. Regeneration of all the tree species (including beech) is occurring in places. The ground flora contains an extensive range of species reflecting the rich soils and the diversity of habitats within the woodland. The wood is crossed by numerous small runnels and there is a ravine with steep rock faces which adds to the diversity of the woodland. Noteworthy species include alternate-leaved golden-saxifrage, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, bird’s-nest orchid Neottia nidus-avis, moschatel Adoxa moschatellina, remote sedge Carex remota and wood millet Milium effusum.

Species mentioned