Balker Belt

Wood, Forest in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Balker Belt

Storm damage in the woods at High Craigcaffie
Storm damage in the woods at High Craigcaffie Credit: Oliver Dixon

The Balkers Belt, located in Wigtownshire, is a renowned wood and forest area in Scotland. Spanning approximately 200 hectares, it is a site of great natural beauty and ecological significance. The forest is predominantly composed of native tree species, including oak, birch, and beech, creating a diverse and enchanting landscape.

Balker Belt boasts a rich biodiversity, providing a habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. The woodland floor is carpeted with vibrant wildflowers during the spring and summer months, attracting various pollinators. The forest also supports a thriving population of different bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining the environmental balance of the region. It acts as a carbon sink, absorbing greenhouse gases and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the woodland provides a natural filtration system, improving water quality in the surrounding rivers and streams.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Balker Belt offers a range of recreational activities. Well-maintained walking trails and cycling routes wind through the forest, providing opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The area is also popular for camping and picnicking, allowing families and friends to enjoy the great outdoors.

Balker Belt, with its breathtaking scenery and ecological significance, is not only a cherished natural gem in Wigtownshire but also a testament to Scotland's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

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Balker Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.933633/-4.9553283 or Grid Reference NX1063. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Storm damage in the woods at High Craigcaffie
Storm damage in the woods at High Craigcaffie
Relics of bombing range This massive concrete wall (partly obscured by more recent buildings) and arrow were part of a WWII bombing range and can be seen just off the road from Innermessan to Penwhirn.
Relics of bombing range
This massive concrete wall (partly obscured by more recent buildings) and arrow were part of a WWII bombing range and can be seen just off the road from Innermessan to Penwhirn.
World War II Bombing Range A closer view of the massive concrete wall which formed part of a World War II bombing range just off the road from Innermessan to Penwhirn. More modern structures of unknown purpose have been built on the south side of the wall.
World War II Bombing Range
A closer view of the massive concrete wall which formed part of a World War II bombing range just off the road from Innermessan to Penwhirn. More modern structures of unknown purpose have been built on the south side of the wall.
Top of the woods by High Craigcaffie Seen from the lower slopes of Braid Fell.
Top of the woods by High Craigcaffie
Seen from the lower slopes of Braid Fell.
Balker farmhouse and buildings
Balker farmhouse and buildings
Cattle Grid One of many on the way to Penwhirn Reservoir.
Cattle Grid
One of many on the way to Penwhirn Reservoir.
Balker Lodge Balker Lodge is situated in the Stairs Estate NW of Lochinch Castle at Castle Kennedy.
Balker Lodge
Balker Lodge is situated in the Stairs Estate NW of Lochinch Castle at Castle Kennedy.
Balker Bridge View N over Balker Bridge towards the Bank of Balker woodlands. Situation within the Stairs Estate, NW of Lochinch Castle.
Balker Bridge
View N over Balker Bridge towards the Bank of Balker woodlands. Situation within the Stairs Estate, NW of Lochinch Castle.
Coigny Clump, Balker View across Coigny Clump towards Balker Wood and other woodlands.  Situation in Stairs Estate and NW of Lochinch Castle.
Coigny Clump, Balker
View across Coigny Clump towards Balker Wood and other woodlands. Situation in Stairs Estate and NW of Lochinch Castle.
Craig Caffie Tower near Innermessan, Stranraer Craig Caffie Tower was built around 1580 near Innermessan, the former capital of the Rhins of Galloway.
Craig Caffie Tower near Innermessan, Stranraer
Craig Caffie Tower was built around 1580 near Innermessan, the former capital of the Rhins of Galloway.
Farm road on the Castle Kennedy estate
Farm road on the Castle Kennedy estate
Bungalow above Craigcaffie This bungalow stands high on the hillside with a magnificent view of Loch Ryan (see other photo for this square)
Bungalow above Craigcaffie
This bungalow stands high on the hillside with a magnificent view of Loch Ryan (see other photo for this square)
View of Loch Ryan from the bungalow above Craigcaffie
View of Loch Ryan from the bungalow above Craigcaffie
High Craigcaffie Situated on a hillside high above Loch Ryan.
High Craigcaffie
Situated on a hillside high above Loch Ryan.
Craigcaffie Castle, Innermessan Craigcaffie Castle is a restored 16th century tower-house; unusually, it stands on low ground.
Craigcaffie Castle, Innermessan
Craigcaffie Castle is a restored 16th century tower-house; unusually, it stands on low ground.
Craigcaffie House Entrance to Craigcaffie
Craigcaffie House
Entrance to Craigcaffie
Fell Cottage Cottage on the hill road to Penwhirn Reservoir.
Fell Cottage
Cottage on the hill road to Penwhirn Reservoir.
Fell Cottage Entrance to the Cottage.
Fell Cottage
Entrance to the Cottage.
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Balker Belt is located at Grid Ref: NX1063 (Lat: 54.933633, Lng: -4.9553283)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///hobby.dame.majoring. Near Cairnryan, Dumfries & Galloway

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