SUMMARY

Quarrywood is really two adjacent woods in Moray (Quarry Wood and Oak Wood) and comprises the finest example of mixed oak and birch woodland in the North East. Many UK Biodiversity Action Plan listed species and habitats are to be found in these woods, including red squirrel, pine martin, crossbill and greater spotted woodpecker.

A number of factors affect the biodiversity of Quarrywood, including: timber production, adjacent land management, pollution, local developments and public perceptions of the wood. The public uses the wood regularly for horse riding, walking, cycling, orienteering and so recreation exerts its own pressure on the wood.

To manage the wood properly, two areas have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Forest Enterprise has implemented a policy of oak regeneration and Moray Young Ornithologists Club has carried out a survey of bird life in the area and has set up a number of nest boxes.

The future success of the wood relies on a partnership approach by all interested organisations, schools, youth groups and the public. Increased awareness, wildlife surveying and recording and sensitive woodland management are all essential

1. CURRENT STATUS

The area governed by this action plan comprises Quarry Wood and Oak Wood, which are owned and managed by Forest Enterprise and the Moray Council respectively. Located one mile east of Elgin to the north of the A96, the woodland covers 230 hectares.

2. ECOLOGICAL DATA

The habitats and species described below are all found in Quarrywood. Priority listed species and habitats are noted.

2.1 Habitats

The area is predominantly woodland, both planted coniferous and broad-leaved woodland. The broad-leaved woodland includes upland oakwood and lowland beech wood (UK priority habitats). A great variety of woodland species are found, some of which are listed below.

2.2 Mammals

Stoat, weasel, hare, common shrew, badger (no setts known), red squirrel, roe deer and pine martin (one sighting three years ago). All are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and red squirrel is a priority listed species.

2.3 Birds

Blackcap, great tit, coal tit, blue tit, willow warbler, crossbill, great spotted woodpecker, siskin, chiffchaff, pied wagtail, swallow, whitethroat, song thrush, dunnock, tree creeper and yellow hammer.

2.4 Vascular Plants

Bluebell, holly and juniper. Bluebells have recently been given specific protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Juniper is a priority listed species.

3. CURRENT FACTORS AFFECTING QUARRYWOOD

Much of the original oakwood was replaced in the 18^th century by Scots pine, birch and larch. The birch trees were probably planted in the 19^th century and have since spread. The Moray Council implemented a programme of beech removal on the western part of their land in the 1980's.

• Timber production and management

• Adjacent land ownership and use.

• Council Development and Plan policies

• Pollution and climate change

• Council Local Plan proposals

• Recreation

• Public perception of the necessity for woodland area

Facilities are available to reduce recreational impacts, including footpaths, litter bins, car parks and view points. Selective tree felling or surgery is carried out to ensure public health and safety.

• Walking - on well defined paths, but with no formal waymarking. There is no evidence of damage to undergrowth by walkers straying from the paths. Nest boxes show no evidence of human disturbance.

• Horse riding - no waymarked routes, but there are agreed bridlepaths within the Oakwood area. Forest Enterprise are negotiating agreed bridle paths within the Quarrywood area with the Quarrelwood Woodland Park Association.

• Cycling - no cycle routes but cycling does occur in the Oakwood area.

• Orienteering - a permanent orienteering course in Quarrywood, which is well used.

An 800-900 metre all abilities trail is planned in the area adjacent to Spynie Hospital. This area is close to housing and well used although there is some concern that some cyclists may use the trail and stray into the wood. Problems identified from general amenity use include litter in the vicinity of scavenged or overfull litter bins, and small probably deliberate fires. Dog fouling of footpaths affects the amenity value, and may influence the public perception of the area. Fly tipping and rubbish bags have been reported on areas adjacent to roads.

4. CURRENT ACTION

Two SSSI's have been designated within the action plan area :

• Cuttie's Hillock SSSI, a site of geological importance, yielding unique fossil reptiles

• Quarrywood SSSI is one of the finest examples of oak-birch woodland in the North East. It is the only oak wood in Moray not situated on a valley slope and the only semi-natural oak wood in the lowlands of the Laigh of Moray.

The Moray Council has prepared an Environmental Charter, which sets out 15 principles that the Council will pursue. One of the principles is to 'conserve and enhance the wildlife and natural environment in Moray'.

The Scottish Landowners Federation is currently preparing a policy paper on Biodiversity. The Moray Young Ornithologists Club undertook a survey of the birdlife of Quarrelwood in 1995. Bob Proctor undertook a moth survey in 1994 and the British Archeoological Society undertook a spider survey in 1991.

Forest Enterprise is operating a long term oak regeneration programme. Areas of larch and Scots pine are being thinned and oak seedling regeneration or plant is taking place. The removal of trees to provide view points has created open healthy ground now populated by common lizards and butterflies.

The objectives of Quarrelwood Woodland Association are to promote the benefit of the local community and visitors to Moray by assisting Forest Enterprise and the Moray Council in the management of the wood regarding recreation, conservation, heritage, archaeology, the environment and good silviculture practice.

5. BENEFITS

Implementation of the action plan will provide a number of benefits:

• Increased public appreciation of wildlife and the local environment.

• Ensure long-term effective habitat management.

• Increased understanding of the ecology of Quarrywood.

• Increased public involvement in local management.

• Provide a varied environment for primary and secondary education.

UK action plans have been prepared for lowland beechwoods and upland oakwood. A UK habitat statement has been prepared for other broad-leaved habitats. A UK action plan has been written for red squirrel

7. QUARRYWOOD OBJECTIVES AND PROPOSED TARGETS