Environment & Ecology

The woods are being used increasingly for walks by members of the public. In addition to areas planted out to native broadleaves several areas have been set aside for natural regeneration and biodiversity. There is a two acre pond in the centre of the old wood which needs some clearance where a bird-watching hide is planned. There already is a public right of way through the centre of the estate which links with our forest walks. It is planned to improve paths through the arboretum planted around Tarryblake House. An approach has already been made to Moray Council to have us listed on their network of public walkways, the Moray Local Access Project. We are adjacent to one along the disused Cairnie-Banff railway line (Cairnie-Knock link) which itself connects via the Balloch Hill route to Keith.

There is a thriving population of red squirrels, as well as roe deer, foxes, badgers and pine marten. The Scottish crossbill is also found in addition to several raptors (buzzards, sparrowhawks, kestrels and both tawny and barn owls). Native orchids and foxgloves are common throughout the woods in the summer. Gean, rowan, whitebeam, hawthorn, wild roses and other trees and shrubs have been planted.