CRIEFF WOODS

(site map at base of page)

Total site surface area (ha) : 152.47 ha      

  Status:  Candidate Special Area of Conservation

Other protection status :
The SAC is comprised of the following Sites of Special Scientific Interest:
Comrie Woods SSSI and Drummond Lochs SSSI.
Part of the Drummond Lochs SSSI is also a pSPA and Ramsar site.

Scientific description of site :

The Comrie woods SSSI, itself consists of two adjacent woodland areas. The woods are primarily Atlantic oakwood but also include small areas of valley alder wood (Alnus glutinosa) and ash / elm woodland (Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus glabra) in wet areas and on steep river banks. This range of woodland types and the transitions between them, reflect an unusual range of topography.  The woodland was historically managed as coppice and many trees are now multi-stemmed providing good structural diversity. The alder (Alnus glutinosa) wood in the valley contains the local sedge Carex laevigata and there is a rich lichen flora including a number of species indicative of old woodland.

  Drummond Lochs SSSI is an area of ancient oakwood (Quercus petraea) with smaller areas of alder (Alnus glutinosa) / ash (Fraxinus excelsior) dominated wood adjacent to the lochs.  The woodland is of national importance particularly for its lichen flora (760 species) which includes an outstandingly high number of epiphytic and rare species. The epiphytic bryophytes include several sub-oceanic species of restricted distribution.  The woods also contain the Annex 1 Bird species osprey Pandion haliaetus and peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus. The adjacent lochs are important for their range of over-wintering wildfowl species and provide a site of international importance for Greylag geese Anser anser and Pink-footed geese, Anser brachyrhynchos.

Importance of the site for the conservation of the species/habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level  :

The woods within the pSCI are of regional importance forming some of the most extensive deciduous woodland areas in Tayside. As SSSIs they are of national importance as sub-oceanic representatives of oak woodland habitat and for their rich lichen and bryophyte flora.

  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 or been planted for amenity within two sites in Crieff Woods pSCI. Both species are shade bearing and compete well, displacing native trees and shading out groundflora and understorey species.  While specimen amenity trees will need to be retained, the overall dominance by exotic species must be reduced.  Works access will be upgraded to allow this work at Drummond Lochs woodland area.

Location
Exotic broadleaves pose a threat throughout both Comrie Woods and Drummond Lochs.

Impact on habitat
Broadleaved exotics are present throughout a total of 166ha over the two woods and are the major threat on this pSCI

  Threat 5:                Uncontrolled grazing by domestic stock

The land around Drummond Lochs is grazed by domestic stock (sheep, cattle) Uncontrolled grazing within the wood restricts regeneration of native tree and shrub species and can significantly alter groundflora communities.  Repairs to a stone boundary wall would make the woodland area stockproof.

Location
Drummond Lochs woodland area

  Impact on habitat
Uncontrolled grazing occurs over 130ha limiting opportunities for regeneration of native species.

Threat 6:                 Overgrazing by deer

Overgrazing by roe and fallow deer is a dominant threat in almost all native woodlands. 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
Drummond Lochs woodland area

  Impact on habitat
Deer control to a level of <6 deer/100ha is required over 100 ha to allow regeneration of native tree species.

  Threat 9:                 Poor ground conditions for regeneration

An area of woodland has been opened up for regeneration in the past, but, with minimal seed abundance in recent years, the area has become dominated by bracken Pteridium aquilinum and broom.  This would need to be cleared to allow restocking.

  Location
Drummond Lochs woodland area

  Impact on habitat
Bracken and broom are preventing native tree establishment on 4ha within the pSCI.

Threat 11:                 Lack of regeneration of native trees

Native tree establishment on the area covered in gorse and broom, cannot be assured by natural means even once the site is cleared.  The cleared site will be planted with trees of local origin, raised on the estate.

  Location
Drummond Lochs woodland area

  Impact on Habitat
Lack of regeneration is threatening native woodland establishment on 4ha

Threat 17:                  Lack of public awareness

The native woodland habitat in Crieff Woods pSCI is threatened by a general lack of recognition of its conservation value and by the local public’s limited undertsanding of, in particular, the impact of exotic broadleaves.  The exotics, especially beech Fagus sylvatica are valued by local people for amenity and while efforts will be made to retain key trees and maintain the general amenity of the sites it is vital that they are informed and consulted on the work being undertaken.

  Location: All sites

  Impact on habitat Public resistance would prevent or delay vital conservation works on the site.