West Highland
Strontian Community Woodland - Coille Choimhearsnachd Sròn an t-Sìthein
Sunart Community Woodland is part of the Sunart Oakwoods Initiative bringing conservation, economic and amenity benefits to the local community. The Sunart Oakwoods Intitiative is a partnership between the community and local agencies including Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Lochaber Enterprise and the Highland Council
Experience the magic of the woodlands
The
Strontian Community Woodland Coille Choimhearsnachd Sròn an t-Sìthein
is a very special place and home to over 60 different species of trees. Known
as “Policy Woodland”, the woods here were orginally planted by
the Riddell family at the beginning of the 19th Century. Cultivating their
own woodland was common practice amongst the landed gentry at the time. It
was seen as status symbol, as well as a recognition of their wealth, to have
their own woodlands with exoctic varieties of trees from all around the world.
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More recently, the Community Council has encouraged the development of the network of paths frith-ròidean that were originally carved out by the Riddell family in the early 1990s. The paths were completely overgrown and access round the woodland was impossible. A programme of clearing Rhododendron ponticum began and thanks to careful management, you can now take the same route that the Riddell family did over 100 years ago.
Touch the large exotic specimens of European silver fir, grand fir and Chilean pine growing amongst native species such as oak, birch and holly. Smell the aroma of the woodland and uncover the fantastic world amongst, above and below the trees. Look out for the tree labels, telling you about different species.
The woodland is now owned by the Highland Council Planning and Development Service and managed in partnership with the Sunart Community Council Comhairle Choimhearsnachd Shuaineirt for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area. Enjoy!
Plant life that thrives on the pure, clear air
The
woodland floor is a natural, vibrant habitat for many species of lichens,
forest flowers, and dozens of varieties of fungi. No matter what time of year
you visit the woodland you will find native Scottish flora thriving in the
clean, pure Ardnamurchan air.
Look out for the colourful mosses and silvery grey lichen in autumn and winter, the Snowdrops gealaganlàir, primroses, bluebells Curracan cuthaige, and the mauve coloured Ladysmock in spring, also the Foxglove and the bright yellow iris sealastair in the summer. The woodland is also home to a profusion of rhododendron, wild orchids and blaeberry.
Rare scottish wildlife make their homes here
Many native species of rare Scottish wildlife make their home here in the Community Woodland. If you have got the time and patience you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of something really special! These woodlands are home to red and roe deer fédh, pine marten and red squirrel feòrag has even been seen from time to time. If you look above in the trees and listen very carefully you will see or hear chaffinches, owls, tree-creepers and buzzards. With a good pair of binoculars or first class eyesight you may be able to spot seals playing in the waters of Loch Sunart or from one of the woodland viewpoints possibly watch a sea eagle iolaire-mhara soaring overhead.
The woodland and village through the ages…
For
such a small village baile-beag Strontian has made a big impact on world events
through the centuries. The village first became famous in the early 18th Century
for its lead mines mèinnean luaidhe, and shells made from Strontian
Lead were used as artillery during the Napoleonic Wars. Even today material
from the lead mine is still being used, and the new path that has been built
round the woodland is made from the material taken from the site of the original
mine.
In 1843 a disagreement within the Church of Scotland had a major impact on the villagers. The Riddell family, like many landowners, imposed their will on the villagers by refusing to give them land on which to build their own church. Despite this the local congregation developed a unique solution and built a “floating church” eaglais air bhog, which was launched from the River Clyde in Glasgow in 1846. The “floating church” was then towed up the west coast to its anchorage in Ardnastaing Bay, just along from the Ben View Hotel. When you reach the viewpoint at the top of the path you can see this bay.
One of the access routes to the woodland walk is through the grounds of the Strontian Hotel. In the car park of the Strontian Hotel you can see a standing stone, the Pillory Stone Clach a Bhrangais, that was later used as a means of punishment for villagers found guilty of gossiping. They would be attached by shackles to the ring on top of the stone and made to stand for several hours with a bit in their mouth.
Happily times are more tranquil now and you can talk còmhradh as much or as little as you like on your way round the walk!
The surrounding area…
This is the most westerly part of the British mainland and spans some 50 miles of dramatic landscape.
It is worth taking time to discover this area and explore the history earchdraidh, or do some biking and fishing iasgachd, or perhaps take a boat trip as well as visiting the wildlife hide. Or you can simply take it easy and wander round one of the many craft shops, local fresh food producers and fascinating heritage displays that are located throughout the area.
Taken from the leaflet Strontian Community Woodland provided by the Highland Council ©
