Bellymack Wood

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Bellymack Wood

Bellymack Fields A large modern [post-2010] house on the B795 just east of Laurieston. — Bellymack Fields Credit: M J Richardson

Bellymack Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Stretching over an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a prominent natural feature in the region. The wood is situated in the heart of the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway countryside, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The wood is predominantly made up of native broadleaf trees, including oak, birch, and ash. These majestic trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich assortment of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the wood's enchanting charm.

Bellymack Wood is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, tits, and thrushes among the treetops, while red squirrels and roe deer can often be seen foraging on the forest floor. The wood is also teeming with insect life, including butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles.

For those looking to explore the wood, there are several well-maintained walking trails that meander through the forest. These paths offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the wood, with occasional viewpoints providing stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Overall, Bellymack Wood is a true natural gem in Kirkcudbrightshire. Its diverse ecosystem and tranquil atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland's stunning countryside.

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Bellymack Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.961388/-4.0483019 or Grid Reference NX6864. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bellymack Fields

A large modern [post-2010] house on the B795 just east of Laurieston.

M J Richardson

Rough ground near Bellymack Fields

Wet and rushy, with a small drain.

M J Richardson

Rough grazing near Bellymack Cottage

With a line of bushes along a drain.

M J Richardson

Kirk Road, Laurieston

A 'no through road' to Dornell Loch. The nearest church is in NX7266.

M J Richardson

Gallery and cafe, Laurieston

Richard Webb

Game Park Plantation

Richard Webb

B795, Bellymack Moss

The wooded hills above Laurieston are in the background after the road crosses farmland and small woods near the outflow of Loch Ken.

Richard Webb

Bellymack Hill entrance

There is a kite feeding station here and it sounded a bit like a sheepdog trial with the kites whistling from the surrounding trees.

Richard Webb

Edge of Laurieston Forest

A field under Craigcroft Wood.

Richard Webb

Craigcroft Wood

This part of Laurieston Forest has had its conifers harvested but not replanted and has been left to the birches.

Richard Webb

Red kite at feeding station

Taken soon after they opened

David Pashley

Mum and Kid at red kite feeding station

Red kites were once common scavengers around our cities, feeding on scraps and carrion. They were, however, persecuted in the 19C, wrongly thought to take lambs and game. By 1880 only a dozen or so remained in the UK, in valleys in mid-Wales. In 1989 a reintroduction programme was launched and 104 red kites were released in Galloway between 2001 and 2005. They are now well established and have bred since 2003 with increasing success, with 18 young fledging in 2003 to 104 in 2011, and from 4 to 58 nesting pairs over the same period. There are now about 320 in the area. They are encouraged by a feeding station near Laurieston at Bellymack Hill Farm, and large numbers can be seen and heard calling every day as they gather in the trees and wheel about making their whistling calls, waiting for the daily feed at 2pm [road kill and chicken]. For more information see the Galloway Kite Trail and RSPB links – Link