Auld Kirk Wood

Wood, Forest in Morayshire

Scotland

Auld Kirk Wood

Entrance to Walled Garden The archway is one of the ways into the walled garden beside the site of the original Altyre House. It has the look of a fragment of a church, but I have yet to find any information about its history. The other side of the arch has nailhead decorative carving, suggesting that this side may perhaps be the original inside of whatever the building was to which the arch was the doorway, and the sharp difference between the rubble construction and the adjacent masonry suggests that it was an older structure incorporated into the garden wall. — Entrance to Walled Garden Credit: Anne Burgess

Auld Kirk Wood, located in Morayshire, Scotland, is a picturesque forest with a rich history and diverse ecosystem. Covering an area of approximately 200 hectares, the wood is nestled between the villages of Alves and Burghead, making it easily accessible to visitors.

The wood derives its name from the ruined Auld Kirk, a former place of worship that dates back to the 13th century. The remnants of the old church still stand amidst the lush greenery, providing a unique and atmospheric backdrop to the woodland.

Auld Kirk Wood is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The dense canopy of trees, predominantly consisting of oak, birch, and pine, provides shelter and nesting sites for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and warblers. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of wildflowers during the spring and summer months, attracting butterflies and bees.

Several well-marked trails wind through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscape. These paths meander through ancient woodland, open meadows, and along the banks of the nearby River Lossie, offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Interpretive signs along the trails provide interesting information about the history, ecology, and management of the wood.

Auld Kirk Wood is not only a beautiful natural space but also an important cultural and historical site in Morayshire. It offers a peaceful and immersive experience for those seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of nature.

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Auld Kirk Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.580694/-3.6127929 or Grid Reference NJ0355. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Entrance to Walled Garden

The archway is one of the ways into the walled garden beside the site of the original Altyre House. It has the look of a fragment of a church, but I have yet to find any information about its history. The other side of the arch has nailhead decorative carving, suggesting that this side may perhaps be the original inside of whatever the building was to which the arch was the doorway, and the sharp difference between the rubble construction and the adjacent masonry suggests that it was an older structure incorporated into the garden wall.

Anne Burgess

Rough Masonry

I have no idea why the archway into the walled garden is flanked by such roughstonework.

Anne Burgess

Entrance to Walled Garden

This is the other side of NJ0354 : Entrance to Walled Garden, showing the decorative nailhead carving round the doorway, as well as another pointed arch that has been walled up on the other side.

Anne Burgess

Privet Berries (Ligustrum sp)

One of numerous bunches of berries in a hedge by the roadside. If you see any, do not be tempted to taste one. They are extremely poisonous to humans.

Anne Burgess

A Grumpy Face?

We thought this part of the bole of a large lime tree looked like a profile.

Anne Burgess

Autumn Beech Leaves

A fine display of colour on a mature beech.

Anne Burgess

Altyre House and Lake

From the bank beside the road. There are few gaps in the vegetation, making it difficult to photograph well.

Anne Burgess

Section of path around Loch of Blairs

Manachie Farm

New housing, Forres

Manachy Road, Forres

Dallas Dhu Distillery

Previously operated by Historic Scotland as a museum, though it has been closed for the last few years. Reportedly it has now been sold, and may be brought back into production.

Craig Wallace

Loch of Blairs

A mixture of trees along the shore, on a frosty afternoon.

Craig Wallace

Altyre Chapel

A timber church, built circa 1900. It is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, linked with St John's Church in Forres. It is a Category C listed building. Link