TARBERT WOODLANDS

(site map at base of page)

Total site surface area (ha) : 1599

Project site surface area (ha):62

 Status :Candidate Special Area of Conservation          

Other protection status : The pSCI covers four distinct component SSSIs:  Ardpatrick and Dunmore Woods, Artilligan & Abhain Strathain Burns, Glen Ralloch to Baravalla Woods, Tarbert to Skipness Coast.  This project includes works on Ardtilligan & Abhain Strathain Burns.

Scientific description of site :

Artilligan and Abhain Strathain Burns contain deeply cut wooded gorges, with Atlantic oak Quercus petraea and birch Betula pubescens woodlands and a well developed hazel Corylus avellana and holly Ilex aquifolium understorey.  Ash Fraxinus exelsior and elm Ulmus glabra are locally dominant.  The groundflora is highly oceanic and there is an abundance of hay-scented buckler fern Dryopteris aemula, filmy ferns Hymenophyllum spp, and beech fern Phegopteris connectilis.  The gorges are moderately base rich and this is reflected in the moss and liverwort communities which are also highly oceanic and include Plagiobryum zieri and Orthothecium intricatum,  Glades and woodland edge habitats include species rich bog in which pale butterwort Pinguicula lusitanica occurs.

Importance of the site for the conservation of the species/habitat types targeted at regional, national and EU level  :
The site is of regional, national and EU level importance for Atlantic oakwoods.

Threats:

Threat 3:                Displacement of understorey and groundflora by Rhododendron

Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum is an exotic ornamental evergreen shrub which has become established in Tarbet 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
Abhain Strathain

  Impact on habitat
Rhododendron is a threat over 3.4ha within and 2ha adjacent to the site.

Threat 4:                Displacement of native species by exotic broadleaved trees

The exotic broadleaved tree species sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus and beech Fagus sylvatica have invaded or been planted within the pSCI in the past.  Both species are shade bearing and compete well, displacing native trees and shading out groundflora and understorey species.

Location
Abhain Strathain
Artilligan

Impact on habitat
Exotic broadleaved trees pose a threat over 41.4ha of the site.

  Threat 6:                 Overgrazing by deer

Overgrazing by the native red and roe deer is a dominant threat over the site.  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
Abhain Strathain

Impact on habitat
Deer overgrazing occurs on 34ha

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

Scattered exotic conifers are present throughout the Abhain Strathain site. Exotic conifers on native woodland sites contribute to the loss and fragmentation of woodland habitat and displace native trees and groundflora.

Location
Abhain Strathain

Impact
Scattered conifers are a threat over 34ha of the site.