Report of four day field visit to Loch Tummel Pearl-bordered Fritillary Network using GPS, measure...

Report of four day field visit to Loch Report of four day field visit to Loch Tummel Pearl-bordered Fritillary Tummel Pearl-bordered Fritillary

NetworkNetwork

using GPS, measure out the main clearings at using GPS, measure out the main clearings at various site compartments various site compartments

take photographs of site compartmentstake photographs of site compartments

assess need for management – scrub/tree assess need for management – scrub/tree clearance and bracken sprayingclearance and bracken spraying

make further habitat assessments such as make further habitat assessments such as abundance of dog violet if possibleabundance of dog violet if possible

By Dr Andrew Masterman 1 May 2008

Aims

SummarySummary

Western half visited on 26 & 27 March 2008Western half visited on 26 & 27 March 2008

Eastern half visited on 2 & 3 April 2008Eastern half visited on 2 & 3 April 2008

although time of year not ideal, south-facing bracken hillsides were clearly although time of year not ideal, south-facing bracken hillsides were clearly identifiable but dog violet was not easy to find in general but was fairly common at a identifiable but dog violet was not easy to find in general but was fairly common at a few compartmentsfew compartments

some large compartments (>10 ha) were foundsome large compartments (>10 ha) were found

key feature of network is the west-east wayleave which comprised mostly steep, dry key feature of network is the west-east wayleave which comprised mostly steep, dry south facing bracken hillsidesouth facing bracken hillside

survey and photographs show the large extent of thick bracken litter and the need survey and photographs show the large extent of thick bracken litter and the need for bracken control along most of wayleave and around Tummel Bridgefor bracken control along most of wayleave and around Tummel Bridge

good habitat also present along stretches of north side of road and several north-good habitat also present along stretches of north side of road and several north-south wayleaves link road to main wayleavesouth wayleaves link road to main wayleave

Largest compartments found in eastern half of site, particularly Bonskeid hillside but Largest compartments found in eastern half of site, particularly Bonskeid hillside but large areas of open habitat found south of river Tummel at Wester Clunie & Creag large areas of open habitat found south of river Tummel at Wester Clunie & Creag Torr Fionn.Torr Fionn.

Overview of NetworkOverview of Network

Tummel Bridge Tummel Bridge CompartmentsCompartments

Easter BohespicEaster Bohespic

Started at Easter Bohespic in far westStarted at Easter Bohespic in far west Last visited by David Spooner 29/5/97 Last visited by David Spooner 29/5/97

when 5 PBF seenwhen 5 PBF seen Size circa 9 Ha but site extends further Size circa 9 Ha but site extends further

west – will investigate in further visitwest – will investigate in further visit Good PBF habitat but thick bracken litter Good PBF habitat but thick bracken litter

20-30% of site & birch woodland perhaps a 20-30% of site & birch woodland perhaps a threat toothreat too

Recommend site assessment in May to Recommend site assessment in May to assess need for managementassess need for management

Easter Bohespic –Photo 1Easter Bohespic –Photo 1

Easter Bohespic – Photo 2Easter Bohespic – Photo 2

Easter Bohespic – Photo 3Easter Bohespic – Photo 3

Easter Bohespic – Photo 4Easter Bohespic – Photo 4

Two new site compartmentsTwo new site compartments

Main west-east wayleave passes to south of Main west-east wayleave passes to south of Easter Bohespic across wetter unsuitable habitat Easter Bohespic across wetter unsuitable habitat and then heads southand then heads south

Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 is where this splits Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 is where this splits with piece going east to form main west-east with piece going east to form main west-east wayleave (photo 3) and another piece continuing wayleave (photo 3) and another piece continuing south – most is flat and wet (Photo 2) but good south – most is flat and wet (Photo 2) but good habitat nr road ~ 4 ha (Photo 1)habitat nr road ~ 4 ha (Photo 1)

Tummel Bridge 2 is a small bit of marginal habitat Tummel Bridge 2 is a small bit of marginal habitat associated with a short north-south wayleaveassociated with a short north-south wayleave

Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 –Photo Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 –Photo 11

Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 – Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 – Photo 2Photo 2

Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 – Tummel Bridge Wayleave 1 – Photo 3Photo 3

Tummel Bridge Wayleave 2 Tummel Bridge Wayleave 2

Tummel BridgeTummel Bridge

Tummel Bridge was last visited by Tom Brereton 9/6/97 when he saw 1 PBFTummel Bridge was last visited by Tom Brereton 9/6/97 when he saw 1 PBF

The area he visited is now Holiday Homes.The area he visited is now Holiday Homes.

To the north of the holiday homes on the north side of the road, some good habitat ~ To the north of the holiday homes on the north side of the road, some good habitat ~ 100m deep merges with the wayleave but birch woodland is well-established here100m deep merges with the wayleave but birch woodland is well-established here

To the north of the wayleave, two large compartments were found.To the north of the wayleave, two large compartments were found.

the first size 13 ha – Tummel Bridge Hillside - was south-facing bracken hillside the first size 13 ha – Tummel Bridge Hillside - was south-facing bracken hillside bordered by birch & coniferous woodland but bracken litter was thick and dog violet bordered by birch & coniferous woodland but bracken litter was thick and dog violet not found.not found.

The second size 37 ha – Tummel Bridge Birch Woodland - was south-facing semi-open The second size 37 ha – Tummel Bridge Birch Woodland - was south-facing semi-open birch woodland with bracken and abundant dog violet. Birch trees were thin and birch woodland with bracken and abundant dog violet. Birch trees were thin and straggly and close together ~ 1m apart.straggly and close together ~ 1m apart.

These compartments need to be revisited in May to confirm PBF here and if so, These compartments need to be revisited in May to confirm PBF here and if so, bracken spraying required in some areas. Perhaps birch clearance by holiday homes bracken spraying required in some areas. Perhaps birch clearance by holiday homes and at Tummel Bridge Birch Woodland.and at Tummel Bridge Birch Woodland.

Compartment Dalcroy which was visited by Ron Youngman is at eastern extent of Compartment Dalcroy which was visited by Ron Youngman is at eastern extent of this site.this site.

Tummel Bridge Holiday HomesTummel Bridge Holiday Homes

Tummel Bridge HillsideTummel Bridge Hillside

Tummel Bridge Birch Tummel Bridge Birch Hillside Hillside

Tummel Bridge Birch Tummel Bridge Birch HillsideHillside

Tummel Bridge Birch Tummel Bridge Birch HillsideHillside

Tummel Bridge Birch Tummel Bridge Birch HillsideHillside

Main Wayleave Tummel Bridge Looking Main Wayleave Tummel Bridge Looking WestWest

Main Wayleave Tummel Bridge Looking Main Wayleave Tummel Bridge Looking EastEast

BohallyBohally

This compartment was last visited by Ron This compartment was last visited by Ron Youngman on 23/5/98 when 9 PBF seenYoungman on 23/5/98 when 9 PBF seen

Ron described site as “Basically a road Ron described site as “Basically a road verge with scrub below conifer plantation”verge with scrub below conifer plantation”

This description was confirmed and a This description was confirmed and a Bohally north-south wayleave linking with Bohally north-south wayleave linking with main west-east wayleave identified.main west-east wayleave identified.

Bohally WayleaveBohally Wayleave

Looking west along main Looking west along main wayleave from Bohally wayleave from Bohally

WayleaveWayleave

Aldcharmaig WayleavesAldcharmaig Wayleaves

Ron Youngman visited the main Ron Youngman visited the main west-east wayleave at NN802599 on west-east wayleave at NN802599 on 2/6/4 and saw 2 PBF.2/6/4 and saw 2 PBF.

Two north-south wayleaves joining Two north-south wayleaves joining the road to the west-east wayleave the road to the west-east wayleave were identifiedwere identified

Further habitat along north side of Further habitat along north side of road below conifer plantationroad below conifer plantation

Ardchalmaig Wayleave 1- looking northArdchalmaig Wayleave 1- looking north

Ardchalmaig Wayleave 2 – looking southArdchalmaig Wayleave 2 – looking south

Looking east along main wayleave Looking east along main wayleave from Ardchalmaig Wayleave 1from Ardchalmaig Wayleave 1

Looking west along main wayleave from Looking west along main wayleave from Aldcharmaig Wayleave 2Aldcharmaig Wayleave 2

Allean Forest CompartmentsAllean Forest CompartmentsThere is a big gap in the conifer plantations above Strath Tummel associated with Tressait farm. Most of this area is intensively grazed by cattle and sheep and some is moorland. But there are some areas of good quality PBF habitat, mostly at Croft Douglas. Borenich site is probably too intensively grazed by cattle to offer good habitat but it is a south facing bracken hillside.

Looking west along main wayleave Looking west along main wayleave from Tressat farm trackfrom Tressat farm track

Tressait PastureTressait PastureThis area visited by Tom Brereton 9/6/97. This small pasture with bracken may provide a marginal pocket of habitat for PBF

Croft DouglasCroft Douglas

Large high quality site - > 22 haLarge high quality site - > 22 ha

Last visited by Richard Buckland 30/05/04 when 1 PBF Last visited by Richard Buckland 30/05/04 when 1 PBF seen.seen.

Dog violet could be found here and site appears to be high Dog violet could be found here and site appears to be high quality PBF habitat.quality PBF habitat.

Site divided in two halves by barbed wire fence and the Site divided in two halves by barbed wire fence and the main wayleave passes through site.main wayleave passes through site.

Western half is cattle grazed and fairly open, eastern half Western half is cattle grazed and fairly open, eastern half has mature birch woodland to north and south of has mature birch woodland to north and south of wayleave and would benefit from having some woodland wayleave and would benefit from having some woodland glades created.glades created.

Croft Douglas West – Photo 1Croft Douglas West – Photo 1

Croft Douglas West – Photo 2Croft Douglas West – Photo 2

Croft Douglas East – Photo 1Croft Douglas East – Photo 1Looking east along wayleave from barbed–wire fence.

Croft Douglas East- Photo 2Croft Douglas East- Photo 2Looking east along path

Croft Douglas East – Photo 3Croft Douglas East – Photo 3Looking west along wayleave with birch woodland either side

BorenichBorenich

Ron Youngman has visited the wayleave Ron Youngman has visited the wayleave thru the conifer plantation 23/5/98 and thru the conifer plantation 23/5/98 and 02/06/04 and found 1 & 5 PBF 02/06/04 and found 1 & 5 PBF respectively. respectively.

West of conifer plantation is a south-facing West of conifer plantation is a south-facing bracken hillside grazed by cattle which bracken hillside grazed by cattle which was mapped out ~ 13 hawas mapped out ~ 13 ha

Some habitat along north side of road too.Some habitat along north side of road too.

BorenichBorenichForeground not suitable habitat but large area of south facing bracken hillside higher up but heavily poached by cattle- no dog violet seen

Looking west along main Looking west along main wayleave at Borenich conifer wayleave at Borenich conifer

plantationplantation

Looking east along main Looking east along main wayleave at Borenich Conifer wayleave at Borenich Conifer

plantationplantation

Roadside east of BorenichRoadside east of Borenich

ArdgualichArdgualich

North-south wayleave 100m joins North-south wayleave 100m joins west-east wayleave 80m north of west-east wayleave 80m north of roadroad

Long stretch of road contains good Long stretch of road contains good PBF habitat on north sidePBF habitat on north side

Looking east along main Looking east along main wayleave from Ardgualich wayleave from Ardgualich

WayleaveWayleave

Allean ForestAllean Forest

Car park and picnic site is on south Car park and picnic site is on south side of wayleaveside of wayleave

There is a 1 & 1.5 hour forestry walks There is a 1 & 1.5 hour forestry walks –with quite a lot of good PBF habitat –with quite a lot of good PBF habitat along italong it

North side of road has good habitat North side of road has good habitat all way along to Queens Viewall way along to Queens View

Looking east along main Looking east along main wayleave from Allean Forest wayleave from Allean Forest

Car ParkCar Park

Allean Forest WalkAllean Forest Walk

Allean Forest WalkAllean Forest Walk

Main Wayleave Allean Fort Looking Main Wayleave Allean Fort Looking EastEast

Main Wayleave Allean Fort Looking Main Wayleave Allean Fort Looking WestWest

Queens View Visitor CentreQueens View Visitor Centre

Forestry track/north-south wayleave just NE of visitor centre Forestry track/north-south wayleave just NE of visitor centre with thick bracken litter which joins main east-west wayleave with thick bracken litter which joins main east-west wayleave 150m north of road150m north of road

An area of conifers just north of main wayleave has been felled An area of conifers just north of main wayleave has been felled which perhaps suggests Allean Forest is soon to be harvestedwhich perhaps suggests Allean Forest is soon to be harvested

More good habitat east of N-S wayleave and south of east-west More good habitat east of N-S wayleave and south of east-west wayleave/forestry track down to roadwayleave/forestry track down to road

Main east-west wayleave crosses road at NN81666042 and Main east-west wayleave crosses road at NN81666042 and Ron Youngman walked west from here 02/06/04 and saw 4 Ron Youngman walked west from here 02/06/04 and saw 4 PBF. PBF.

Wayleave is 200m wide for ~400m here providing large area Wayleave is 200m wide for ~400m here providing large area of good PBF habitat but bracken litter thickof good PBF habitat but bracken litter thick

Looking east along main wayleave Looking east along main wayleave from Queens View wayleavefrom Queens View wayleave

Looking west along main wayleave Looking west along main wayleave east of Queens Vieweast of Queens View

Looking north from main wayleave Looking north from main wayleave east of Queens View to N-S east of Queens View to N-S

wayleavewayleave

Loch Tummel Pearl-bordered Loch Tummel Pearl-bordered Fritillary Network EastFritillary Network East

While the east-west wayleave which runs along the north side of the river Tummel is a feature, While the east-west wayleave which runs along the north side of the river Tummel is a feature, there are large extensive areas of south facing bracken hillside to the north and south of the river there are large extensive areas of south facing bracken hillside to the north and south of the river which are not wayleave-based.which are not wayleave-based.

Bonskeid hillside is 157 ha but does contain areas of conifer plantations and grazed pasture lower Bonskeid hillside is 157 ha but does contain areas of conifer plantations and grazed pasture lower down. This historically has been called Tenandry and parts of it visited by several recorders. In the down. This historically has been called Tenandry and parts of it visited by several recorders. In the east, it merges into Tenandry/Pass of Killiekrankie which has some habitat albeit semi-open east, it merges into Tenandry/Pass of Killiekrankie which has some habitat albeit semi-open woodlandwoodland

Just north of the river is Bonskeid Power lines which is a continuation of the main east-west Just north of the river is Bonskeid Power lines which is a continuation of the main east-west wayleave and merges with some open birch woodland to the north adjacent to the road.wayleave and merges with some open birch woodland to the north adjacent to the road.

South of the river is Wester Clunie (amalgamation of Clunie Wood and Wester Clunie) which is 75 ha South of the river is Wester Clunie (amalgamation of Clunie Wood and Wester Clunie) which is 75 ha of open hillside (middle bit unsuitable habitat) with steep south facing bracklen hillside with dog of open hillside (middle bit unsuitable habitat) with steep south facing bracklen hillside with dog violet in the north and south.violet in the north and south.

Just to the north is another steep south-facing bracken hillside (Creag Torr Fionn) size Just to the north is another steep south-facing bracken hillside (Creag Torr Fionn) size 16 ha where there are no PBF records so this appears to be a new compartment. This 16 ha where there are no PBF records so this appears to be a new compartment. This site is more birch woodland than open hillside.site is more birch woodland than open hillside.

Cammoch is largely a gentle north-facing slope south of the river Tummel but it has Cammoch is largely a gentle north-facing slope south of the river Tummel but it has small areas of south-facing hillside and is mostly open hillside and has large pylons. small areas of south-facing hillside and is mostly open hillside and has large pylons. As there are several PBF records here, it may be important habitat although not the As there are several PBF records here, it may be important habitat although not the typical south-facing bracken hillside.typical south-facing bracken hillside.

All these compartments in the east appear to be well-linked.All these compartments in the east appear to be well-linked.

River Tummel CompartmentsRiver Tummel Compartments

Bonskeid Hillside PanoramaBonskeid Hillside Panorama

TenandryCraig na Airigh

Craig FonvuickCreag an Ejrionnach

Bonskeid Home Farm

Bonskeid Mains

TenandryTenandry

Good habitat found east and west of roadGood habitat found east and west of road

East of road are western slopes of Pass of East of road are western slopes of Pass of Killikrankie with semi-open deciduous Killikrankie with semi-open deciduous woodland with patches of good habitatwoodland with patches of good habitat

West of road is Tenandry site which has been West of road is Tenandry site which has been visited by several volunteers and this links visited by several volunteers and this links with open Bonskeid hillside further west.with open Bonskeid hillside further west.

TenandryTenandry

TenandryTenandry

TenandryTenandry

Tenandry PastureTenandry Pasture

Tenandry Wayleave NorthTenandry Wayleave North

Tenandry Wayleave SouthTenandry Wayleave South

Looking towards Tenandry Looking towards Tenandry from Pass of Killiekrankiefrom Pass of Killiekrankie

Fonvuick FarmFonvuick Farm

Craig Fonvuick CragsCraig Fonvuick Crags

Craig Fonvuick Crags – Looking Craig Fonvuick Crags – Looking SouthSouth

Craig Fonvuick Crags East – Craig Fonvuick Crags East – From Tenandry RdFrom Tenandry Rd

Bonskeid HillsideBonskeid Hillside

Bonskeid Hillside –Bonskeid Hillside –Creag an EjrionnachCreag an Ejrionnach

Bonskeid Hillside belowBonskeid Hillside below Craig an Ejrionnach Craig an Ejrionnach

Bonskeid Hillside-Looking Bonskeid Hillside-Looking EastEast

Possible Habitat west of Possible Habitat west of Bonskeid HillsideBonskeid Hillside

West of Bonskeid Hillside by West of Bonskeid Hillside by roadroad

Bonskeid Home Large Pylons Bonskeid Home Large Pylons Looking South EastLooking South East

Bonskeid Home Big Pylons Bonskeid Home Big Pylons lookin south towards lookin south towards

Coronation BridgeCoronation Bridge

Bonskeid Home Big Pylons looking east Bonskeid Home Big Pylons looking east along another wayleavealong another wayleave

Bonskeid Home Small Pylons looking Bonskeid Home Small Pylons looking easteast

Bonskeid Home PastureBonskeid Home Pasture

Creag na Airigh from Bonskeid Creag na Airigh from Bonskeid HomeHome

Bonskeid Home Small Pylons Bonskeid Home Small Pylons looking north to Birch looking north to Birch

WoodlandWoodland

Bonskeid Home Small Pylons Bonskeid Home Small Pylons Looking WestLooking West

Bonskeid Home- Track to Bonskeid Home- Track to PylonsPylons

Cammoch Cammoch

CammochCammoch

Cammoch joining Bonskeid Cammoch joining Bonskeid HomeHome

Wester ClunieWester Clunie

Has been visited by Dan Baker, Richard Buckland & Ron Has been visited by Dan Baker, Richard Buckland & Ron Youngman. Dan saw 48 PBF at north end on 30/05/04.Youngman. Dan saw 48 PBF at north end on 30/05/04.

Superb open south-facing bracken hillside with a lot of dog violet Superb open south-facing bracken hillside with a lot of dog violet at north end in particular and areas of good habitat at south end at north end in particular and areas of good habitat at south end and either side of road but bracken litter thick hereand either side of road but bracken litter thick here

Flatter moorland type habitat in middle of site but open hillside.Flatter moorland type habitat in middle of site but open hillside.

Wester Clunie - NorthWester Clunie - North

Wester Clunie - NorthWester Clunie - North

Wester Clunie – North EastWester Clunie – North East

Wester Clunie – North looking Wester Clunie – North looking southsouth

Link between Wester Clunie Link between Wester Clunie North & SouthNorth & South

Wester Clunie - SouthWester Clunie - South

Wester Clunie – South-eastern flankWester Clunie – South-eastern flank

Wester Clunie – Patch along Wester Clunie – Patch along roadroad

Creag Torr FionnCreag Torr Fionn

An obvious area of south-facing bracken hillside west of north-An obvious area of south-facing bracken hillside west of north-south wayleave just north of Wester Clunie on west side of road.south wayleave just north of Wester Clunie on west side of road.

birch woodland well-established but dog violet present.birch woodland well-established but dog violet present.

Looks like good habitat but no historical recordsLooks like good habitat but no historical records

Links with Bonskeid Power lines/Cammoch via wayleave & road Links with Bonskeid Power lines/Cammoch via wayleave & road and ridge at western end (where Bonskeid panorama photos and ridge at western end (where Bonskeid panorama photos taken)taken)

Creag Torr Fionn from RoadCreag Torr Fionn from Road

Creag Torr FionnCreag Torr Fionn

Creag Torr FionnCreag Torr Fionn

Creag Torr Fionn – Looking Creag Torr Fionn – Looking SouthSouth

Creag Torr Fionn – Looking east Creag Torr Fionn – Looking east along italong it

Crag north of Creag Tor Crag north of Creag Tor FionnFionn