Barochan Moss Renfrewshire

Barochan Moss

Barrangary Road Near the shops within the Dargavel Village housing development on the former ROF Bishopton site. — Barrangary Road Credit: Thomas Nugent

Barochan Moss is a small woodland area located in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Nestled within the larger Barochan Estate, it covers an approximate area of 50 hectares and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna.

This woodland is characterized by its rich, damp soil, which makes it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of plant species. The dense vegetation consists of native trees such as oak, birch, and rowan, along with an abundance of mosses and ferns that thrive in the wet conditions. The forest floor is carpeted with a lush and vibrant undergrowth, providing a haven for numerous small mammals, birds, and insects.

Barochan Moss is not only significant for its biological diversity, but it also holds historical importance. The woodlands have been managed for centuries, and remnants of ancient structures, including a stone circle and burial cairns, can still be found within the area. These archaeological features add to the charm and intrigue of the moss, attracting visitors with an interest in history and archaeology.

The woodland is open to the public and offers various walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of Barochan Moss. The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal place for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The abundance of wildlife and the serene ambiance make Barochan Moss a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Renfrewshire.

Barochan Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.884815/-4.5164269 or Grid Reference NS4268. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barrangary Road

Near the shops within the Dargavel Village housing development on the former ROF Bishopton site.

Thomas Nugent

Turf Cutting

Cutting turf at Fulwood Mains.

Chris Court

Rhubarb Patch

Rhubarb plants are perennial and are grown for their edible leaf stalks, although classed as a vegetable rhubarb is more usually eaten in desserts. In this picture the plants are now dying back for the winter.

Chris Court

Stubble

Field of stubble at Turningshaw farm.

Chris Court

Barochan Moss

An area of native broad leaved woodland important for its biodiversity, including large stands of native Birch.

Chris Court

Farm track

Farm Track bordering Chapel Farm and woodland surrounding Houston House.

Chris Court

White House

The white building is Barochan House with Chapel Farm in the foreground.

Chris Court

Cabbage Stumps

Field of cabbage stumps remaining after the cabbages were harvested. The hedge line in the middle ground marks Barochan road, with Cleaves Wood on the hill in the background.

Chris Court

Boghall Cottage

on the Reilly Road

william craig

Old buildings

Disused buildings at the Royal Ordnance Factory

william craig

Reilly Quarry

Now a massive landfill site

william craig

Ben Lomond and Highland Boundary Fault from the air

Viewed from a commercial aircraft, south-bound from Glasgow Airport. The River Clyde, Dumbarton, Dumbarton Rock, the Vale of Leven, Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond are the prominent features. The former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Bishopton covers much of the right foreground. Whitemoss Dam at Old Greenock Road can be seen to the left of centre in the foreground. The Highland Boundary Fault runs from left to right across the centre of the photo.

Thomas Nugent

Dargavel House

This delightful mansion is owned by BAE Systems, and formed part of the former Royal Ordnance Factory facility at Bishopton which effectively took over and adapted all the buildings on site as part of the business of manufacturing armament propellants. BAE Systems now operate this site and are preparing it for a gradual handover to civilian use. The house is in relatively good repair, and will eventually be incorporated into local community use. With thanks to BAE Site Remediation for access.

Raymond Okonski

Road to Nowhere

Part of the Barochan Moss section of the former MoD facility. Many of the buildings and bunkers have now been levelled and the ground is undergoing decontamination. This area was part of the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton which manufactured armament propellants. BAE Systems now operate this site and are preparing it for a gradual handover to civilian use. With thanks to BAE Site Remediation for access.

Raymond Okonski

Bishopton ROF Narrow-Gauge Railway

This section of the former MoD facility shows some of the network of narrow-gauge tracks used to transport materials round the site. A private railway junction just north of Bishopton Station provided a standard gauge link with the main line, and this ran the complete circuit of the property. From sidings, components used in the manufacture of propellants were delivered, then transshipped to the extensive narrow-gauge network of tracks that reached almost every building and bunker on the site. This area formed part of the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Bishopton. BAE Systems now operate this site and are preparing it for a gradual handover to civilian use. With thanks to BAE Site Remediation for access.

Raymond Okonski