Blueboots Moss

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Blueboots Moss

Opencast mining in Nithsdale One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale Credit: M J Richardson

Blueboots Moss is a picturesque woodland located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Spread across a vast area, it is a significant natural attraction that draws locals and tourists alike. The forest is known for its dense canopy, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife.

Covered in a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, Blueboots Moss offers a serene and tranquil environment for nature enthusiasts. The forest is home to various species of trees including oak, birch, Scots pine, and beech, which provide a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty.

The wildlife in Blueboots Moss is abundant and diverse. Visitors may spot various bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and finches, making it a haven for bird watchers. Small mammals like rabbits, foxes, and squirrels can also be found scurrying through the undergrowth. Additionally, the forest is known for its population of red deer, which can often be seen grazing peacefully in the open clearings.

The forest offers numerous walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their leisure. These trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Blueboots Moss is a popular destination for hikers, nature photographers, and families looking to enjoy a day out in nature.

Overall, Blueboots Moss is a captivating woodland that offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and wildlife diversity. It serves as a haven for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while also offering educational opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

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Blueboots Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.392776/-4.323448 or Grid Reference NS5213. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Opencast mining in Nithsdale One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale
One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast at Waterhead The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
Opencast at Waterhead
The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
Forestry road near Skares
Forestry road near Skares
Linn Burn The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Linn Burn
The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig
This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Black Hill view Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Black Hill view
Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Cairn on Black Hill Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
Cairn on Black Hill
Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
Craigman Opencast Mine The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
Craigman Opencast Mine
The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Black Water Black Water burn
Black Water
Black Water burn
The bridge over Black Water burn The bridge over Black Water burn looking west.
The bridge over Black Water burn
The bridge over Black Water burn looking west.
The Edge of the Forest The Edge of the Forest.
The Edge of the Forest
The Edge of the Forest.
Forest Fire Break Forest fire break look out onto Loch Rig.
Forest Fire Break
Forest fire break look out onto Loch Rig.
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Forestry Road Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
The end of the road The end of the road there is now and opencast coal site beyond this point.
The end of the road
The end of the road there is now and opencast coal site beyond this point.
Forestry Road Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Show me another place!

Blueboots Moss is located at Grid Ref: NS5213 (Lat: 55.392776, Lng: -4.323448)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///human.scrapped.withdraws. Near Cumnock, East Ayrshire

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Blueboots Moss

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