Wildlife at Dunnottar Woodland Park
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
Stonehaven is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: NO 860 850
The local community help Forestry Commission Scotland to manage this small wood through the Dunnottar Woodland Park Association. The wood contains many historical features, such as Lady Kennedys Bath and the Shell House. Glasslaw car park has a picnic area which is accessible by wheelchair, and a grassy area which is full of wildflowers in the early summer.
Mammals: Red squirrels are regularly seen in this wood, and roe deer are occasionally spotted. We have information about Red squirrel and Roe deer
Birds: Dunnottar supports a varied population of woodland birds including wrens, dunnocks, robins, thrushes, and blackbirds, along with waterside birds like dippers and grey wagtails.
Insects and reptiles: All summer long bumble bees and hoverflies are busy harvesting nectar from the wildflowers, and coincidentally performing their vital role of spreading pollen from one plant to another.
During the winter ladybirds hibernate in hollow stems and sheltered crannies, secure from hungry birds.
Habitats: The wonderful mix of habitats in this small wood produce a great wildflower mixture in spring and summer. Wild garlic scents the air in the cool, damp water margins, while stitchwort flowers in the long grass.
As winter approaches the rich green fronds of ferns become more prominent. Lichens and mosses thrive on the barks of trees and old stone dykes. Which other species can you find in autumn and winter?
How to get there:
Dunnottar lies on the south side of Stonehaven, between the dual carriageway and the A957. Walkers can reach the wood through a number of entrances between Mill of Forest and Carron Gardens. Details of how to reach the two car parks are given under appropriate web pages.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Enter through:
Glasslaw Car Park
Quarry Car Park
Glasslaw Car Park
Facilities:
Activities:
Contact:
Liz Wallace
01466 794161
e-mail: liz.wallace@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Did you know
Birds beaks are specially adapted to allow them to find different food - small and narrow beaks like those of coal tits or siskins allow them to probe into narrow cracks for spiders and grubs, or to tweak seeds out of the protective cases.
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