Bellie Brae

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Bellie Brae

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. — He's up there! No he's not, he's down here!! Credit: Des Colhoun

Bellie Brae is a picturesque wooded area located in Banffshire, Scotland. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills covered in dense forests of native trees, including birch, oak, and pine. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species thriving in the lush woodland.

Bellie Brae offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature, with numerous walking trails winding through the forest and providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The area is popular among nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

In addition to its natural attractions, Bellie Brae is also home to historic sites and landmarks, including the ruins of a former castle and a charming old church. These remnants of the past add to the charm and character of the area, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Overall, Bellie Brae is a beautiful and tranquil destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature in a peaceful and serene setting.

Show me another place!

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

Bellie Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.640229/-3.0807192 or Grid Reference NJ3561. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

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

A memorial to the fallen of Dallochy airfield

Dallachy field served as a launching point for counter shipping measures in the North sea during World War 2.NJ3562 : Lessons from the past?

Des Colhoun

Lessons from the past?

The plaque is found on the memorial in Bogmoor. NJ3562 : A memorial to the fallen of Dallochy airfield

Des Colhoun

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

Dallachy RAF Memorial

The memorial commemorates the aircrew who trained and served at RAF Dallachy during the Second World War. Construction began in 1942, and at first the airfield was used to train aircrew on multi-engined aircraft. From September 1944 Dallachy was the base for Beaufighter squadrons engaged in attacking enemy shipping in the North Sea and on the west coast of Norway. [NJ3563 : RAF Dallachy Strike Wing is the main panel on the monument and NJ3563 : RAF 14 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit is on the plinth to the left of the main panel. The other plinth carries an information board giving a brief history of RAF Dallachy.

Anne Burgess

RAF Dallachy Strike Wing

This is the main panel on [NJ3563 : Dallachy RAF Memorial.

Anne Burgess

RAF 14 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit

This is the panel on the plinth on the left of [NJ3563 : Dallachy RAF Memorial.

Anne Burgess

Byres Cottages

A row of farm cottages beside the road to Byres Farm.

Anne Burgess

Bellie Kirkyard

This cross has appeared since the last time I was down here. It indicates the access to the historic kirkyard of the parish of Bellie, which stands on a knoll just behind the cross.

Anne Burgess