Lynnwood - Whitlaw Wood, Slitrig

Also within

Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale County

Condition (NatureScot)

Habitats

Ancient woodland

Description

Lynnwood - Whitlaw Wood, Slitrig Lynnwood – Whitlaw Wood, Slitrig Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is located south of Hawick in the Scottish Borders on the steep southern banks of the Slitrig Water. This composite site in two parts comprises areas of primary, mixed deciduous woodland of a type that is uncommon in the area and which is more akin to those found in Eastern England. The woodland is mixed aged with a varied vertical structure, largely composed of ash, oak, birch and beech with occasional elm, sycamore, rowan, wild cherry, Scots pine, larch, whitebeam, Norway maple, goat willow, and an understorey of hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose and spindle. The ground flora is particularly rich in species, with many indicators of ancient woodland, and several UK Red Data List species recorded including wood bitter-vetch Vicia orobus, bird’s-nest orchid Neottia nidus-avis and maiden pink Dianthus deltoides. The woodland has been protected due to its location on steep valley sides which makes access very difficult for forestry and grazing. Many trees have been left in situ as dead wood which adds to the habitat interest of the site and provides a valuable resource for invertebrates. One of the key attributes of the site is its proximity to areas of herb-rich grassland and running-water both of SSSI status.

Species mentioned