Visit Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve

Welcome

Welcome to Glasdrum Wood National Nature Reserve, managed by NatureScot.The reserve is a fine example of one of Scotland’s Celtic rainforests. This ancient woodland cloaks the slopes of Beinn Churalain, rising steeply above Loch Creran. The woodland trail climbs up through this temperate rainforest which, with its ancient oaks, ash and hazel trees, is even rarer than the tropical rainforests. Ferns sprout from rocky crevices and lichens and mosses cling to branches. Butterflies flit among the flowers in open spaces where sunlight can reach. In spring and summer the wood is also filled with the chorus of bird song. Wrens, chaffinches and wood warblers are a few of the birds you can see and hear.

About the reserve

Atlantic rainforest

Under the influence of the mild, wet, Atlantic climate found on the west coast of Argyll, these special woods have developed luxurious carpets of ferns and mosses, and a unique range of associated species. These non-flowering plants do not have roots and rely on water from rainfall and streams for their survival.

What is a lichen?

A lichen is not a single organism. In fact it is made up of a fungus and an algae which help each other to survive. Glasdrum Wood is one of the best sites in the UK for lichens which come in all different shapes and sizes and cover many of the trees here. Over 169 species of lichen have been found in Glen Creran, and more than 95 of these are considered to have significant conservation importance, including the nationally scarce Norwegian Specklebelly. This particular lichen can be spotted on hazel trees close to the path edge. More common lichens such as lungwort hang down from many branches overhead.

The butterflies

This is a very special place for butterflies. With its steep southerly aspect, Glasdrum’s many small woodland glades and larger open ground act as suntraps warming up quickly in good weather. These conditions allow butterflies and other insects to thrive. More than 20 different species of butterfly live here, including the rare pearl-bordered fritillary and the chequered skipper. The higher slopes above the wood are home to the mountain ringlet, Scotland’s only true mountain butterfly.

June is the best month to spot the beautiful chequered skipper. This small fast-flying butterfly likes the wet grasses found in small glades and underneath electricity pylons. In Britain, this butterfly can now only be found near Fort William.

Man’s influence

The wildlife found in Glasdrum Wood today reflects the past and present management of the wood. People have been directly involved with the management of the wood from at least the 17th century. Many of the trees have been coppiced in the past to produce charcoal. The flat remains of charcoal platforms can still be seen in the wood today. Grazing livestock have historically helped to keep the wood open, creating ideal habitats for butterflies.

Today NatureScot manages the woodland to encourage natural renewal. Achieving this is a balancing act. Mosses like the shade of trees while butterflies and lichens favour more open areas where light penetrates. Young trees also need protecting from deer to allow saplings to reach maturity and ensure the woodland remains healthy in future years.

Getting there 

The car park is on the north side of Loch Creran, two miles east of Creagan Bridge (A828) where the Oban-Fort William buses stop.

For public transport information please visit Traveline Scotland

For more information: NatureScot, 1 Kilmory Industrial Estate Lochgilphead, Argyll PA31 8RR.

Tel: 0131 316 2690 or website.

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