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Wildlife at The Bennachie Centre Car Park Bennachie
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
Chapel of Garioch is the nearest town or village.
OS Grid Reference: NJ 698 216
 This car park is set in Scots pine woodland which surrounds the Information Centre (The Bennachie Centre). Several footpaths start from the car park and take you onto Mither Tap and also through the woods, including an all ability walk. Sculptures are set in the woods along some of the paths.
The Bennachie Centre
Winter hours 9.30am - 4.00 pm
Summer hours 10.30 - 5.00pm
CLOSED MONDAYS
Mammals: Pop into the Bennachie Centre and find out from Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service more about mammals found on Bennachie such as Red squirrel and roe deer. We have information about Red squirrel and Roe deer
Birds: The centre staff keep an updated list of birds seen in the woods and on the hill. There is also a CD- rom present which will help you with bird calls and identification.
In the conifer woodlands, birds such as crossbills, goldcrests, wrens, blackbirds, thrushes and chaffinches can be heard or seen.
Jays and Great Spotted woodpecker are often seen too, flying through the woodland.
On the open moorland, meadow pipits and grouse nest in the heather. Birds of prey such as buzzards or in the summer an occasional osprey can also be seen flying over the hill.
Insects and reptiles: Summer is an excellent time to see many insects feeding on the heather slopes of Bennachie. Habitats: The Scots pine trees around the centre are approx 55 years old and in the past the woodland has been heavily thinned to allow for natural regeneration of the woodland. Plants seen include blaeberry, chickweed wintergreen and the little creeping orchid called Creeping Lady's tresses. We have information about Pinewood
How to get there:
Travel on the A96 north past Inverurie. Approximately 2 miles beyond Inverurie take a road on the left sign posted to Chapel of Garioch. At Chapel of Garioch turn left (sign posted to the Bennachie Centre). Follow this road for 2 miles. The car park is on your right.
Local Weather Forecast (Multimap)
Facilities:
      
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The centre is run by Aberdeenshire Council Ranger service, which provides useful information about Bennachie and its history, wildlife and legends. The Bennachie Centre telephone number is 01467 681470 or email bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. |
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Activities
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Esson's Walk to Donview
Goukstane walk
Mither Tap walk
Summit to Back O'Bennachie
Pine walk
Larch walk
The Gordon Way
Colony walk |
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Routes on forest roads and purpose built paths.:Paths on hill not suitable for horse riding. |
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Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service run the centre and run educational activities. Please contact the centre tel 01467 681470. |
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Displays in the centre |
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Course changes every 6 weeks. 3 courses from easy to difficult. Maps at centre |
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Totem pole and sculpture trail |
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Pictish fort on Mither tap. |
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Several picnic benches in car park and close to centre |
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Aberdeenshire Council and the Forestry Commission regularly run activities which start from The Bennachie Centre. |
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Other places to go in Bennachie
Back O'Bennachie Car Park
Donview Car Park
Contact:
Jackie Cumberbirch
Recreation Ranger
01466 794161
e-mail: jackie.cumberbirch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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What's of interest
PLEASE NOTE: The Back o Bennachie car park is closed Monday 11th - Friday 15th December due to tree felling (preparing for car park alterations in January 07).
We have an all ability trail leading from the centre with several sculptures along the route.
THE BENNACHIE TOTEM POLE IS NOW UP BEHIND THE CENTRE.
What to see now A variety of woodland birds are feeding at the bird table ... look out for the Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Did you know Red squirrels are mating in January/February.
What else is here In The Bennachie Centre Car Park there is also recreationUseful sites
Find out more
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