Sites of Special Scientific Interest -
3. Bochel Wood - GR NJ 230 237

Birch and Juniper woodland/ heathland

This section of Glenlivet, its tributary the Crombie water and the intervening hills of The Bochel and Carn Tullich contains some important examples of the woodland and heathland habitats which were formerly typical of much of the surrounding area.

The woodlands are of particular interest consisting predominantly of birch with abundant juniper which in places forms a dense understorey. Aspen Rowan and self sown Scots pine are also present. The ground vegetation reflects the acid soil conditions and is dominated by heather, blaeberry and cowberry. Wood sorrel, chickweed wintergreen and oak fern are also abundant.. Such birch -juniper woodland has a limited distribution in Britain but was formerly widespread in the Glenlivet area associated with the upper limits of native woodland cover (This site extends from 260-490m).

On some lower slopes, better soil conditions are reflected by an increasing dominance of bracken and grasses and the abundance of species such as wood anemone, yellow pimpernel and hazel. Alder and willow are present along the poorer drained valley bottoms. Areas of both dry and wet heather heath occur. The former is locally species rich with abundant bearberry, bush vetch and petty whin. Wet and flushed heaths contain abundant sphagnum mosses, deer grass, purple moor grass and cross-leaved heath as well as bog asphodel and cloudberry.

This area is unusual in supporting relatively unmodified examples of these various habitats, it is particularly important in retaining a large area of regenerating birch-juniper woodland which is expanding onto adjacent hill ground. The site also supports a bird community associated with such habitats including black grouse, siskin, grey wagtail and ring ouzel.

Glenlivet welcomes you to explore its tracks and byways.