Glasdrum Wood

Glasdrum Wood, or Coille a' Ghlasdroma in Gaelic, is a National Nature Reserve set on the northern shore of Loch Creran in Argyll and Bute. It may not look it at first glance but the woodland is a living relic of a globally rare ecosystem, namely temperate rainforest.

Temperate rainforest used to cover much of Scotland, but over time this has been lost leaving only small pockets left. The unique climate and geography of the area is directly responsible for this rare ecosystem being so successful in this location. The west coast of Scotland has a climate that is high in rainfall and persistent humidity, a result of the warm air currents of the Gulf Stream, and this coupled with the coastal location means the air here is often saturated with moisture.

The underlying geology is a mix of Dalradian schists, metamorphic rocks that have been weathered over thousands of years to create a nutrient-poor, acidic soil. This bedrock, combined with a history of glaciation, results in a dramatic landscape of rocky outcrops and steep gullies that provide a variety of micro-habitats. The woodland itself is dominated by mature Sessile Oaks (Quercus petraea), with scattered Birch (Betula spp), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), and Hazel (Corylus avellana).

While the tree cover is very noticeable, the rich biodiversity of a temperate rainforest is often found at a much smaller level. Glasdrum Wood has an incredible number of lichens and bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) which live on the trees and rocks themselves. The trees are quite literally covered in them and if you look closely enough you can identify many different species within a few square meters.

They not only demonstrate that Glasdrum Wood is an incredibly diverse ecosystem but they are highly sensitive to air pollution so are only found in locations with very clean air. If you find yourself in a location covered in mosses and lichens it is very likely that you are enjoying the benefits of a very clean atmosphere!

Some of the lichens you might find include Beard Lichen, Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), Blue Felt Lichen (Pectenia plumbea) and Norwegian Specklebelly (Pseudocyphellaria norvegica). They aren't parasitic, even though they appear to cover the trees, but actually live in symbiosis and indicate a very healthy forest.

There are also many species of fern and moss to be found covering the ground, which gives the reserve a very verdant, green and ancient feel to it. This damp ground cover provides shelter for Common Toads, slugs and snails, the latter of these are both primary decomposers of the vegetation as well as being a food source for larger animals such as birds and mammals.

The trees provide excellent nesting sites for many common birds, while more specialised birds such as Woodcock and Long Eared Owls shelter in the more hidden corners of the reserve. Mammals are also found such as Red Deer, Stoats, Weasels and Pine Martins, and the location on the shore of Loch Creran means that Otters are also spotted using the wood.

The reserve is internationally recognised for its butterfly populations, chiefly the Chequered Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon), which is only found in a few isolated locations in Scotland and England. Glasdrum Wood is one of the most important strongholds in the UK. Careful management of the woodland so it provides a mosaic of habitats including more open grassland areas, ensures its ongoing survival.

The woodland was once used for timber and charcoal production, and its steep terrain prevented it being utilised for large scale production, ensuring its long-term survival. There are areas within the woodland where you can see formerly coppiced trees and numerous mounds which were once the charcoal platforms used to produce the self-same product.

The management of the woodland is carefully balanced to maintain numerous habitats and support wildlife, without allowing anything to become dominant and public access is via marked footpaths. It is incredible to think that you don't have to travel to the depths of Brazil to visit a rainforest!