Drum Wood

Wood, Forest in Morayshire

Scotland

Drum Wood

Fields by the River Spey The river used to be partly screened from here by the trees, but it has changed it course, taking some of the green field on the left bank with it. — Fields by the River Spey Credit: Anne Burgess

Drum Wood, located in Morayshire, Scotland, is a picturesque forest renowned for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, this woodland offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The forest's prominent features include a variety of tree species, including oak, birch, and Scots pine, which form a dense canopy overhead. The trees provide a haven for numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Red squirrels can also be spotted darting between the branches, adding to the woodland's charm.

Drum Wood boasts an extensive network of well-maintained trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. These paths cater to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, providing a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, there are picnic areas scattered throughout the woodland, offering the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

The forest is also home to a rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant species carpeting the forest floor. Wildflowers, ferns, and mosses create a vibrant tapestry, especially during the spring and summer months. Additionally, the wood serves as a habitat for a range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers, which can occasionally be spotted during quieter times of the day.

Drum Wood, with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Morayshire while enjoying a peaceful and rejuvenating experience in the heart of nature.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Drum Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.648317/-3.1205678 or Grid Reference NJ3362. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fields by the River Spey

The river used to be partly screened from here by the trees, but it has changed it course, taking some of the green field on the left bank with it.

Anne Burgess

He's up there! No he's not, he's down here!!

A pair of Sand Martins enjoy some temporary respite between fly-catching duties on the banks of the Spey near Fochabers. The Sand Martin is the smallest of the hirundines (i.e. the swallow and martin family) and is the earliest to arrive in Europe each Spring.

Des Colhoun

Come any closer and I'm off!

A Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) is about to get airborne. The smallest of the hirundines (i.e. swallows and martins) this little chap arrives on the banks of the Spey every year in Spring.

Des Colhoun

Behold the Sand Martin Colony overlooking the Spey

Peppered with Sand Martin burrows the red sandy cliffs are constantly eroding; in fact I witnessed two major geological modifications to these cliffs in the space of two hours! The Sand Martin normally manages two broods on its annual visit to this colony.

Des Colhoun

Dainty but hawk like for all that

Look at the blade-like wings; the Sand Martin can out manoeuvre the fly and today I have seen them pick up hatching flies from turbulent water whilst going full tilt. There's no hiding their hawk-like qualities.

Des Colhoun

Sand Martin colony

Sand Martin colonies are easy to spot but are restricted to only a few localities. These little birds are very versatile and can be coaxed into taking up residence in newly opened sand quarries or artificial embankments specially made for them.

Des Colhoun

Too cute for words, a juvenile watches and waits

Perched on a piece of driftwood this downy Sand Martin chick awaits a bunch of flies from a parent which it will surely convert into airspeed.

Des Colhoun

Pool by the quarry on the Fochabers salmon fishings

It's raining heavily and the slow shutter speed fails to capture the airborne Sand Martins whose numbers are almost on a par with the flies on which they are preying. At last, something to make a spaniel look pedestrian!

Des Colhoun

Millennium milepost, Garmouth

The posts on the Moray Council's stretch of route 1 are all green. (Checked that the spurious letters were all present in the ghastly spelt word millennium).

Richard Webb

Open space, Garmouth

A wooded open space on the site of the Moray Coast Railway.

Richard Webb

Overbridge 967 near Garmouth

Overbridge 967 carrying a local road over the old railway near Garmouth.

Alistair Oram

Shelter no more

The long shelter belt by the side of the minor road between Mosstodloch and Garmouth has been well and truly breached. Whether this was solely the result of the exceptional gales of 8 December 2011 and 3 January 2012 I am not sure.

Anne Burgess

Redundant salmon bothy on the banks of the Spey

These little sheds were once used by the netsmen as they netted the pools of the lower Spey. Netting ceased some years ago but it's cheering to see that the character of the area is maintained and the huts, of which there are several are well kept.

Des Colhoun

Two kilometres upstream on the Spey

Viewed from the Spey's right hand bank this typifies the river flow at this mature stage. In the background you can see some bird activity. These are mainly Black-headed gulls which are gorging on a recent hatch of March Browns. ( A Mayfly found in fast flowing, clean waters such as the Don and Spey))

Des Colhoun

Old man Spey

Here we have the Spey at its most mature stage two kilometres from the sea. In the distance you can see the Spey viaduct.

Des Colhoun

This Used to be an Owl

I think it is a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). The corpse was lying under a whin bush by the side of the road, so presumably the owl had been hit by a vehicle.

Anne Burgess