Abernethy Forest, Tore Hill Acquisition

Acquisition of part of the Abernethy Forest nature reserve, known as Tore Hill. It is of both national and international importance for wildlife of many kinds. Native pinewood is now a rare habitat, it once covered much of the Highlands, but now only small areas remain. The pinewoods are home to some of our rarest wildlife, including Scottish crossbills, crested tits, otters, pine martens, and red squirrels. At 297 hectares, Tore Hill comprised a mix of native Scots pine and exotic conifer woodland, planted mainly between the two wars. A small area of the original ancient Caledonian pinewood survived within the site, adding greatly to its biological importance. A reasonably intact forest bog also forms part of the property. Capercaillie, Scottish crossbill, crested tit, pine marten and red squirrel are all resident. This NHMF-assisted purchase extended the reserve to some 1,193 hectares, a significant area of continuous woodland and associated habitats so important for wildlife. The property currently carries the following designations: Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area, Candidate Special Area of Conservation, Environmentally Sensitive Area and within The Cairngorms National Park.