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This page is available in Gaelic ~ link here Woodland around Torridon & Shieldaig The woodland landscape is changing significantly over the whole area, from North Applecross to Shieldaig, east through Glen Torridon and south to Lochcarron. The beauty of the highest hills remain. But on lower ground, the scattered remnants of the once great, ancient Caledonian pine forest are few and far between. The most attractive areas of native woodland are probably those on Beinn Eighe, at Coulin, on Ben Damph and on the west side of Ben Shieldaig. However, in between these woodland areas there are considerable areas of of over-grazed, tussocky heather and sedge.
The most noticeable feature over the past ten years has been the increase in the amount of deer fencing. This is apparently only a temporary necessity. New birch trees have been planted, as have many young Caledonian pines. Once the struggling saplings have grown, the fences can be removed. In the triangle from Applecross to Kinlochewe to Lochcarron, 3,600 acres of land so far have been fenced off to be returned to native woodlands. Where mature trees and seed sources have survived and wherever conditions will allow it, the new woodlands will will be established by natural regeneration. If this cannot be possible, then saplings have been raised in tree nurseries using local seed sources and planted in a natural way. So far, one and a half million trees have been planted. Approximately a half of these are Caledonian pine; also there are Downy Birch, Rowan, Willow, Alder, Aspen, Gean, Sessile Oak and Holly. Funding for the projects has come through the Woodland Grant Scheme (Forestry Commission), the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (SEERAD) and the National Lottery.
What will emerge in the future will be woodlands with mixed open structures rather than dense impenetrable forests. Dense pockets of Pine with Birch, Rowan and Sessile Oak will be established on the better drained knolls, ridges and heather slopes; Birch, Alder, Willow and Holly will be growing up the sides of the burns and there will be open spaces in between. As the plans develop, the new woodland areas will link up with each other to provide continuity in the landscape and corridors of movement for wildlife. What will also follow will be more birds as the winter shelter and natural cover improves. Once the area of new pine forest is established, it is hoped to re-introduce the Red Squirrel. There will also be opportunities to make new woodland walks. As soon as the new native trees are established, the deer fences and cattle grids can be removed. |
