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9). Blackcraig Wood Status: Access: Open Facilities: Car park Map Reference: 83-NX 440 641 |
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Situated in a prominent position on a steep south-west facing slope, Blackcraig is an ancient semi-natural woodland. It has survived because of its importance as a source of charcoal and pit props for the local lead mining industry. The wood was selectively managed for oak and harvested by coppicing from the 18th century up into the late 1940s. Evidence of its industrial past remains in the form of the capped shafts and old spoil heaps scattered throughout the reserve. As a result of its past management most of the wood is dominated by Oak accompanied by Birch, Beech, Wych Elm and the occasional Ash, the understorey consists of scattered Hazel, Holly and Hawthorn. There is a rich ground flora which includes Bluebells, Wood Sorrel, Wood Melick, Male and Broad Buckler Fern. The more open areas are carpeted in Ivy, but by mid summer much of the floor is covered in Bracken. The wetter areas are dominated by Alder and Ash with a scarce Rowan, Hazel and Hawthorn understorey, the ground flora includes both Opposite and Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Creeping Buttercup and Yellow Pimpernel. The site is unusual in that it has very few non-native species, with the exception of the ever-present Sycamore and a single Sweet Chestnut. The reserve provides a good habitat for woodland birds and, of the six species of bat commonly found in Scotland, the Pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared and Noctule are all present at Blackcraig. It is also a significant breeding site for the Purple Hairstreak Butterfly, a nationally rare species. |
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Photo: Apodemus sylvaticus - Wood Mouse; D. Heward |
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