Dam Plantation

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Dam Plantation

Old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm A closer look at the old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm. Killochan Castle is shown in the background on the other side of the Water of Girvan. The top of the strange boulder <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7024967">NS2300 : The strange boulder at Hawkhill Farm</a> is just visible on the left.
Old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Dam Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Ayrshire, a county in southwest Scotland. Covering an impressive area of approximately 340 hectares, it is one of the largest plantations in the region. Situated near the town of Ayr, Dam Plantation is easily accessible and attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers alike.

The plantation primarily consists of native broadleaved trees, such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense woodland provides a haven for a wide variety of wildlife, including squirrels, badgers, and numerous bird species. Birdwatchers can often spot woodpeckers, owls, and even the elusive golden eagle in the skies above.

Visitors to Dam Plantation can enjoy a network of well-maintained trails that crisscross the woodland, providing opportunities for leisurely walks or more challenging hikes. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal location for those seeking solace in nature.

Aside from its recreational value, Dam Plantation also serves important ecological functions. The trees act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change, while the woodland provides a habitat for a range of flora and fauna, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Overall, Dam Plantation in Ayrshire is a remarkable woodland, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its accessibility, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it an appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

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Dam Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.269032/-4.758219 or Grid Reference NS2400. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm A closer look at the old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm. Killochan Castle is shown in the background on the other side of the Water of Girvan. The top of the strange boulder <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7024967">NS2300 : The strange boulder at Hawkhill Farm</a> is just visible on the left.
Old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm
A closer look at the old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm. Killochan Castle is shown in the background on the other side of the Water of Girvan. The top of the strange boulder NS2300 : The strange boulder at Hawkhill Farm is just visible on the left.
The old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm The strange circular structure in the field at Hawkhill Farm is a shaft from an old coal mine, walled off for protection. The main part of the mine was on the other side of the road on Bargany Estate. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6783144">NX2399 : Old colliery site near Lovestone</a>
The old mine shaft at Hawkhill Farm
The strange circular structure in the field at Hawkhill Farm is a shaft from an old coal mine, walled off for protection. The main part of the mine was on the other side of the road on Bargany Estate. See NX2399 : Old colliery site near Lovestone
Snowdrops in Lovestone woods My previous visit to this site in March 2021 was too late to see the flowers in bloom. The snowdrops were lovely this time though the February sun was only just reaching the slope.
Snowdrops in Lovestone woods
My previous visit to this site in March 2021 was too late to see the flowers in bloom. The snowdrops were lovely this time though the February sun was only just reaching the slope.
Snowdrops near Lovestone These snowdrops were spreading out in the woodland near the old colliery site. My previous visit to this spot <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6783144">NX2399 : Old colliery site near Lovestone</a> was too late to see the flowers in bloom. It was worth the return visit.
Snowdrops near Lovestone
These snowdrops were spreading out in the woodland near the old colliery site. My previous visit to this spot NX2399 : Old colliery site near Lovestone was too late to see the flowers in bloom. It was worth the return visit.
Picnic Area, Bargany Gardens Beautiful Garden but only open for the Month of May.
Picnic Area, Bargany Gardens
Beautiful Garden but only open for the Month of May.
Car Park, Bargany Gardens This is the main car park but there is also and overflow car park. Beautiful Garden but only open for the Month of May.
Car Park, Bargany Gardens
This is the main car park but there is also and overflow car park. Beautiful Garden but only open for the Month of May.
Bargany Estate, near Old Dailly The tall trees line the southern driveway into the estate.
Bargany Estate, near Old Dailly
The tall trees line the southern driveway into the estate.
Cattle troughs near Dailly
Cattle troughs near Dailly
Gateway to the Bargany Estate Off the Dailly to Old Dailly road.
Gateway to the Bargany Estate
Off the Dailly to Old Dailly road.
Small wooded valley near Dailly
Small wooded valley near Dailly
Towards Killochan Castle Looking across the Girvan Valley at a barley field near Hawkhill Farm.  The Saltire is flying over Killochan Castle.
Towards Killochan Castle
Looking across the Girvan Valley at a barley field near Hawkhill Farm. The Saltire is flying over Killochan Castle.
Lovestone House Formerly living accommodation for workers on Bargany Estate.
Now a private house.
Lovestone House
Formerly living accommodation for workers on Bargany Estate. Now a private house.
Moorland burn Looking down Lauchlan Burn, across the Girvan Valley, towards the Firth of Clyde and Arran.
Moorland burn
Looking down Lauchlan Burn, across the Girvan Valley, towards the Firth of Clyde and Arran.
View From Maxwellston Hill Looking across the lower Girvan Valley, towards the Firth of Clyde and Arran, on a fine July afternoon.
View From Maxwellston Hill
Looking across the lower Girvan Valley, towards the Firth of Clyde and Arran, on a fine July afternoon.
Clyde View Looking towards the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig from the western slopes of Mawellston Hill on a fine July afternoon.  Grangestone Industrial Estate is visible in the distance on the far right. For an updated view showing some of the Hadyard Hill turbines, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6545939">NX2598 : Maxwellston Hill trig point</a>
Clyde View
Looking towards the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig from the western slopes of Mawellston Hill on a fine July afternoon. Grangestone Industrial Estate is visible in the distance on the far right. For an updated view showing some of the Hadyard Hill turbines, see NX2598 : Maxwellston Hill trig point
Beside Lauchlan Burn A typical small moorland burn flowing through a boggy valley, dropping down to join the Water of Girvan.
Beside Lauchlan Burn
A typical small moorland burn flowing through a boggy valley, dropping down to join the Water of Girvan.
Start of the Southern Uplands Looking towards the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig from the northern slope of Maxwellston Hill.  This photo shows the edge of the Southern Uplands of Scotland, rising sharply from the Girvan Valley. For a different take on this view, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6545956">NX2599 : The start of the Central Lowlands</a>
Start of the Southern Uplands
Looking towards the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig from the northern slope of Maxwellston Hill. This photo shows the edge of the Southern Uplands of Scotland, rising sharply from the Girvan Valley. For a different take on this view, see NX2599 : The start of the Central Lowlands
Girvan Valley View Looking north across the Girvan Valley from the saddle between Maxwellston and Hadyard Hills.  In the background, from the left - Brunstane Castle Golf Course, Maxwellston Farm, and the village of Dailly. For an updated view, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6545963">NX2699 : The Girvan Valley viewed again</a>
Girvan Valley View
Looking north across the Girvan Valley from the saddle between Maxwellston and Hadyard Hills. In the background, from the left - Brunstane Castle Golf Course, Maxwellston Farm, and the village of Dailly. For an updated view, see NX2699 : The Girvan Valley viewed again
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Dam Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NS2400 (Lat: 55.269032, Lng: -4.758219)

Unitary Authority: South Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///loses.rooks.splinters. Near Girvan, South Ayrshire

Related Wikis

Dailly railway station

Dailly railway station served the village of Dailly, South Ayrshire, Scotland, from 1860 to 1965 on the Maybole and Girvan Railway. == History == The station...

Killochan Castle

Killochan Castle is a 16th-century L-plan tower house about 3 miles (4.8 km) north east of Girvan, South Ayrshire, Scotland, north of the Water of Girvan...

Dailly

Dailly (Scottish Gaelic: Dail Mhaol Chiarain) is a village in South Ayrshire, Scotland. It is located on the Water of Girvan, five miles (eight kilometres...

Dalquharran Castle

Dalquharran Castle is a category A listed building in South Ayrshire, Scotland, designed by Robert Adam and completed around 1790. The first recorded lord...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.269032,-4.758219
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2675147/-4.7508903
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2673775/-4.752125
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2672188/-4.7534707
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2671488/-4.7540632
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2669928/-4.7554018
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.2668193/-4.7568986
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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