Atlantic Hazelwoods
Atlantic Hazelwoods
In the west of Scotland clear air and relatively undisturbed conditions have allowed an internationally important woodland type to survive. These hazelwoods are Scotland's temperate rainforests, and the best examples are dripping with rare and little known plants. Scottish Native Woods is working with interested individuals and organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage and the Native Woodland Discussion Group to raise the profile of these woodlands and to encourage appropriate management.
You can download a Guidance Leaflet on the link below
| Atlantic Hazel_Introduction and advisory leaflet.pdf |
Hazel with a difference
One of the unusual features of western hazelwoods is that they often contain single stem, or maiden trees.
Most of the hazel in Britain has many stems growing up from ground level. This natural characteristic of the tree, combined with its workability, meant that in other parts of Britain it was usually managed as coppice.
These maiden trees can be a considerable age, and reflect a different management regime.
A temperate rainforest
Here are some pictures of the lichens that grow on Atlantic hazelwoods. These plants, along with mosses, bryophytes and funghi are important elements in the surviving fragments of Scotland's rainforest
It's worth double clicking on these three images for a better appreciation of the texture of Atlantic lichens
