Oakwoods

Upland oakwoods

Amongst Scotland's best-kept secrets are our rainforests! Under the influence of the mild, wet Atlantic climate in the west of the country, these woods have developed luxurious carpets of ferns and mosses, and a unique range of associated species. The main tree species are oak (most commonly sessile, but locally pedunculate) and birch, with varying amounts of holly, rowan and hazel. The amount of oak tends to decrease in the north-west and higher up the hill, and the woods become more dominated by birch. Some of these woods have a very rich ground flora in the spring, with bluebells, primroses, violets, bugle, wild garlic, stitchwort and many species of fern. As soils become more acid, grasses and bracken become more common and, on very acid soils, blaeberry and mosses dominate.

Amongst the most important features of these woodlands are the lower plant communities - mosses, liverworts (together, these are called bryophytes), and lichens . There are several hundred species of bryophytes and lichens in the Atlantic oakwoods; many tiny, with amazing and beautiful structures when seen under a hand lens, others large and hanging down from the trees like hair or peeling wall-paper. The climate of the west of Scotland is ideal for these species, which need a humid atmosphere, and thrive in an abundance found nowhere else in Europe - and in few parts of the world. In fact, these woods, are one of the most uniquely Scottish of all our habitats.

Western oakwoods also support characteristic fauna - their distinctive breeding bird assemblage includes redstarts, wood warblers, and pied flycatcher. During the early morning in late spring and early summer, male redstarts can be heard - and if you are lucky seen - defending their territories with song, from the very tops of the oak trees.

Several rare species of butterfly also make their homes in some of the woods. Chequered skippers  are very rare in Britain, found only in open woodland in the west of Scotland, where they lay their eggs on purple moor grass. Pearl-bordered fritillaries  live in similar areas but choose violets to lay their eggs on.

These woods have historically supported people as well, and not just for their timber. In the 18th and 19th century, many of them were coppiced; their wood was used to make charcoal for iron smelting and gunpowder, and their bark was used for tanning leather. These industries finally ceased over 100 years ago, since when the woods have grown up and developed into mature stands.

Upland oakwoods   are a priority habitat in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and are also protected under the European Habitats Directive  . Discover the magic for yourself - some of the best oakwoods in Scotland are on National Nature Reserves  .

 Taynish  is one of the largest ancient oakwoods in Britain. It lies on a scenic peninsula overlooking Loch Sween and has an atmosphere all of its own. The woodland's dripping ferns and mosses mingle with marshland and grassland to support over 300 plant species and more than 20 kinds of butterfly.

Loch Lomond  in the heart of Scotland, famous for its beautiful wooded shores and islands. The reserve embraces five of the loch's islands, each supporting rich, mature oak woodland. Bluebells and wild garlic carpet the woodlands in spring when migrant warblers, flycatchers and redstarts start to return.

Glen Nant    its slopes cloaked in a rich mixed woodland. Many trees were felled from 1753-1880 to supply charcoal to the nearby Bonawe Iron Furnace  (now managed by Historic Scotland and open to the public). Stems have regrown from the cut stumps and now carry a lush growth of mosses and lichens.

Glasdrum  , a wild woodland which climbs from the seashore near the head of Loch Creran up the slopes of Ben Churalain. The changes in altitude and the presence of both acid and lime-rich rocks make for a rich variety of trees, plants and insects. The reserve is also notable for a range of butterfly species, including the rare chequered skipper.

Glencripesdale  , beautiful and remote. It's a long way in to this remote woodland on the shores of wild Loch Sunart, but you're rewarded with stunning views and you may even see otters. The damp, shady conditions of the broadleaf woodland are ideal for a lush growth of ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens.

Ariundle's   trees are covered in a lush growth of mosses, ferns, liverworts and lichens, which thrive in this damp climate. The woodland is also home to a wide variety of birds.

Loch a' Mhuilinn  is the most northerly oakwood in Scotland. The stunting effects of westerly gales are clearly visible with some of the oaks reduced to a creeping form near the sea.