Fionn Loch Islands

Also within

Ross and Cromarty County Wester Ross Scenic Area 28. Fisherfield - Letterewe - Fannichs Wild Land Area

Condition (NatureScot)

Description

FIONN LOCH ISLANDS The site comprises three small wooded islands which lie to the northern end of Fionn Loch, 8 kms east of Poolewe between Loch Maree and Gruinard Bay. They contain fragments of the original vegetation cover of Wester Ross. Few such sites remain and they are therefore important in illustrating the diversity of habitats and species of the woodlands that once covered extensive areas of the district. Each of the islands has its own character. Eilean Fraoch has a low growth of alder, birch and rowan with a strong heath element in the ground flora. Eilean nan Corrichean is dominated by birch with holly, rowan, alder and ash and some pine, whilst Eilean a’ Gharbh Uillt is ringed with tall ash and has a dense, almost pure stand of ancient holly trees in the middle. The ground flora associated with the islands is particularly rich, with ferns and characteristic woodland herbs abundant. Species include mountain fern, lady’s fern, great woodrush, heather and bilberry.