Tornat Plantations

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Tornat Plantations

Shell banks A curious feature of the coast here is the presence of storm beaches comprising nothing but cockle shells, which make a very colourful contrast with the rock outcrop and marshy turf. — Shell banks Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Tornat Plantations, located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, is a renowned woodland area that spans across several acres. The plantation is situated in the southern part of the county, near the village of Tornat. The site offers a picturesque landscape with its dense forests, rolling hills, and natural beauty.

The plantation primarily consists of a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, pine, and birch. These trees not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the area but also provide an important habitat for numerous wildlife species. The diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of fauna, including deer, rabbits, various bird species, and smaller mammals.

Visitors to Tornat Plantations can explore the area through a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the woods. These trails offer a chance to immerse oneself in the tranquil surroundings and appreciate the natural wonders of the plantation. The paths are suitable for all levels of walkers, from casual strollers to more experienced hikers.

Additionally, Tornat Plantations hold educational and recreational value for locals and tourists alike. The plantation serves as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The area also provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, picnicking, and nature photography.

Overall, Tornat Plantations in Kirkcudbrightshire offers a captivating and serene woodland experience, showcasing the beauty of nature in this picturesque part of Scotland.

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Tornat Plantations Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.883026/-3.8271244 or Grid Reference NX8255. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shell banks

A curious feature of the coast here is the presence of storm beaches comprising nothing but cockle shells, which make a very colourful contrast with the rock outcrop and marshy turf.

Jonathan Wilkins

Polished granite, Roughfirth

The shore at Roughfirth has abundant granite outcrop which is kept wonderfully clean by erosive wave action. The granite is more compact here, with fewer joints and fissures, so has been eroded and polished into smooth, rounded pillows with a fine pinkish hue. The environs of the Criffel-Daleattie Granite Pluton are a geologist's dream.

Jonathan Wilkins

Lichen-encrusted outcrop

Fissured granite outcrop lies above the maximum tide level, so is a favourable habitat for the characteristic Caloplaca and Lecanora lichens.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ice-smoothed outcrop

This area of rock outcrop lies entirely below the maximum high-tide level, as can be seen from the encrusting molluscs, so it has none of the lichens which are characteristic of the upper shore. The clean rock shows obvious signs of erosion by glacial action, presumably due to an ice stream moving down the valley of the Urr from higher ground inland.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ready to go

A fleet of sailing dinghies ready to take to the water at the Solway Yacht Club slipway.

Jonathan Wilkins

Boat storage

Boats standing on saltmarsh above the normal tide level.

Jonathan Wilkins

Orchardton valley

Looking over fields in the Orchardton valley from the elevated ruins of Orchardton Tower.

Jonathan Wilkins

View to the tower

From this location by the farm entrance the tower appears to be complete, though I imagine it has lost its original roof.

Jonathan Wilkins

View to The Holm

The Orchardton valley is secluded with wide, grazed fields and wooded slopes. The Holm hides in its own patch of trees, but the outlying cottage is prominent on the slope.

Jonathan Wilkins

Urr Water valley

Despite its prominence on the map, the river is lost in the landscape of meadows, woodland and hedges. The view across the valley takes in the vision of Screel Hill rising above early mists.

Jonathan Wilkins

Urr Water valley 2

A view to the northwest over the valley of the Urr Water, which is invisible in its distant, incised course. Lush meadows occupy the low ground, in contrast to the granite knoll from which the image was captured.

Jonathan Wilkins

Urr Water by Palnackie Brae

A view upstream of the river at low tide with reflections of Palnackie Brae.

Jonathan Wilkins

Boulder cache

The fields atop the hill of Meikle Richorn have been improved by pulling out large boulders which are gathered in clumps like this. Granite is a rock easily quarried by glacial processes, so these are not far-travelled and reflect the underlying geology, though actual rock outcrop is sparse.

Jonathan Wilkins