(site map at base of page)

Total site surface area (ha) : 159.4 ha           

Status: Candidate Special Area of Conservation       

Other protection status : The site is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest

Scientific description of site :
This site is outstanding for its large area of ancient oakwood in the relatively dry continental climate of the North-East of Scotland.  It is an undulating glacial-origin site with brown forest soils, sands, gravels and humus iron podzols. Deep gorges cut through rocks of Moine schist and middle old red sandstone supporting broadleaved gorge woodland.  Over 121 lichen species have been recorded including a number of very rare species and the lichen and bryophyte flora is close in character to old oakwoods in Denmark. 225 species of vascular plants are present on the site including hart’s tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium, wood melick Melica uniflora and nationally rare and restricted species such as creeping lady’s tresses Goodyera repens.  There is a rich woodland bird community including redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus, spotted flycatcher and siskin as well as capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, Scottish crossbill and raptors.

Importance of the site for the conservation of the species/habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level : The site is of national and European importance for its woodland interest of Old Sessile Oakwoods and gorge woodland. The site is also of national importance for its lichen epiflora and of regional importance for its woodland and gorge flora.

Threats:

Threat 1:                 Lack of management planning and background information

It is vital that works undertaken within the project are understood in the context of long term conservation management and set within a formal management plan.  Lack of data on conservation features and new constraints to management need to be considered and addressed.  As habitat management progresses towards favourable condition, management needs to become more refined and consider more levels of information, e.g. on different groups of species.

Location   A management plan is required for the whole site and survey work into the extent and management needs of the following elements within the pSCI is required:
Bryophytes (6ha)
Bluebells (10ha)
Bat species (30ha)

Impact on habitat
The lack of information on these important elements of the habitat means that the areas may be threatened by management works or by neglect.  Lack of an up to date management plan means that threats may not be adequately addressed.

Threat 3:                Displacement of understorey and groundflora by Rhododendron

Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum is an exotic ornamental evergreen shrub which has become established Cawdor woods pSCI. The plant spreads by seed and subsequently by vegetative layering and will coppice from cut stumps.  Once established it can spread rapidly forming a dense canopy in the understorey shading out native shrubs, groundflora and tree regeneration.

Location
Rhododendron is present in areas throughout the pSCI

Impact on habitat
Rhododendron is displacing native flora and associated fauna over 10 ha.

Threat 4:                Displacement of native species by exotic broadleaved trees

Exotic broadleaved tree species such as sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus and beech Fagus sylvatica have invaded many native woodlands or been planted for amenity (or occasionally for timber) in the past.  Both species are shade bearing and compete well, displacing native trees and shading out groundflora and understorey species.

  Location
Mature beech and sycamore and other exotics are present throughout 12ha of the site displacing native tree species and groundflora.  11ha immediately adjacent to and almost surrounded by the pSCI boundary harbours exotics which are a seed source threatening the site itself.

  Impact on habitat
Exotic broadleaved trees threaten the diversity of native species and associated biodiversity over 23 ha.

Threat 6:                 Overgrazing by deer

Overgrazing by roe deer is a dominant threat.  High deer numbers reduce understorey development, prevent regeneration and reduce the diversity of native tree populations.  It can also have a detrimental effect on the groundflora communities and damage existing trees through bark stripping and damage. Native deer species are however a natural component of woodlands and at low levels  (4-6 deer/100ha), deer browsing can play a part in habitat diversification and maintenance.

  Location
Roe deer require to be excluded from 20ha within the pSCI to allow native tree regeneration.

  Impact on habitat
Deer overgrazing prevents regeneration over 20ha of the site.

Threat 7:                 Displacement or restriction of native woodland by planted exotic coniferous woodland

There remains a legacy of previous forest policies which encouraged conifer plantations within native woodland sites throughout the UK.  This ‘enrichment’ planting created dense plantations which displace native trees, shade out native flora, alter soil conditions and restrict woodland expansion. Conifer underplanting or planting on native woodland sites contributes to the loss and fragmentation of woodland habitat.

  Location
Young conifer trees are present throughout 32 hectares of the site and 7ha immediately adjacent to the pSCI

  Impact on Habitat
Displacement or future displacement of native species throughout 39 hectares

Threat 11:                 Lack of regeneration of native trees

In a few cases, even where measures such as thinning, protection from grazing and ground preparation have been undertaken, the immediate regeneration of native species can be limited losing the opportunity for regeneration.  This may be because there is a limited seed source or infrequent seeding by certain species or perhaps due to climatic conditions.  In some cases direct intervention by planting or protecting young seedlings is warranted.  Natural regeneration is likely to be slow in the area of exotics surrounded by the site which are being removed.

Location
Lack of regeneration is a threat over 9ha immediately adjacent to and virtually surrounded by the pSCI.

Impact on Habitat
The lack of native cover over a 9ha parcel serves to fragment the native woodland habitat.

Threat 17:                  Lack of public awareness

The native woodland habitat is threatened by a general lack of recognition of its conservation value and by the public’s limited understanding of what positive management can entail.  This impacts on the level of financial and community support for conservation works.  Other cultural features of the site attract many visitors who will be interested or concerned over works in the woodland area. Formal footpath access requires upgrading and interpretation provided.

  Location
Throughout the pSCI and in appropriate sites for community liaison.

  Impact on habitat
All management works may be disruptive unless visitors are informed and shown the relevance of the works being undertaken.