SUCCESSFUL VISITS TO HUNTLY, CRANNACH AND FOCHABERS

摘要

The first outing in the spring of 2016 visited the Crannach,an area that is situated on the edge of the grouse moors of upper Deeside, not far from Ballater. It was owned by a private partnership of native woodland enthusiasts who, in the 1980s, began to establish one of the first new native pinewoods in the area. Before the 1980s, the Crannach was a rather steep and rocky grouse moor but the area contained enough remnant native pine and birch trees to confirm its potential for woodland creation by natural regeneration. Areas further out from the seed source were planted with native stock behind deer fencing. The Crannach has recently been bought and managed by the RSPB who carry on the day-to-day work of woodland restoration and habitat enhancement. It is an excellent example of an establishing new pinewood that already makes a wonderful contribution to the landscape of Deeside.