Blackhill Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Blackhill Wood

Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus) This beetle is said to be nocturnal, but it passed us where we were having our lunch.
Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus) Credit: Anne Burgess

Blackhill Wood, located in Banffshire, Scotland, is a pristine forest renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, the wood is situated on the eastern slopes of the Grampian Mountains and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The wood consists predominantly of native broadleaf trees, including beech, oak, and birch, which create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a wide array of wildlife. The forest floor is carpeted with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.

Blackhill Wood is home to a rich variety of fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Red squirrels, roe deer, and badgers are commonly spotted, while bird species such as the elusive capercaillie and the vibrant golden eagle can be observed soaring above the treetops. The wood is also inhabited by a diverse range of insects, including butterflies and beetles.

Visitors can explore the wood through a network of well-maintained trails, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. These paths lead to secluded spots, babbling streams, and small waterfalls, creating a serene and tranquil environment. Interpretive signs are strategically placed along the trails, providing information about the flora and fauna found in the wood.

Blackhill Wood is not only a natural treasure but also plays a vital role in carbon capture and storage, contributing to the fight against climate change. Its preservation and conservation efforts ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate its beauty and ecological value.

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Blackhill Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.529986/-2.9981284 or Grid Reference NJ4049. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus) This beetle is said to be nocturnal, but it passed us where we were having our lunch.
Violet Ground Beetle (Carabus violaceus)
This beetle is said to be nocturnal, but it passed us where we were having our lunch.
Wild Flower Meadow A welcome sight beside the minor road.
Wild Flower Meadow
A welcome sight beside the minor road.
Prickly Sow-thistle (Sonchus asper) Developing and mature seed heads on a sow-thistle.
Prickly Sow-thistle (Sonchus asper)
Developing and mature seed heads on a sow-thistle.
The Boneworks The Keith & Dufftown Railway leaflet shows this facility as a "bone works".  The photograph can't convey the smell coming from it, though this didn't last for long.
The Boneworks
The Keith & Dufftown Railway leaflet shows this facility as a "bone works". The photograph can't convey the smell coming from it, though this didn't last for long.
River Isla Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway on a fine August afternoon.
River Isla
Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway on a fine August afternoon.
Grazing Land by the River Isla Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.  The river lies on the far side of the field.
Grazing Land by the River Isla
Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway. The river lies on the far side of the field.
Near Wester Chalder The attractive farmland of the River Isla valley, viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.
Near Wester Chalder
The attractive farmland of the River Isla valley, viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.
Ballgreen The rickle of stanes beneath the rather lopsided tree is probably all that remains of the farm of Balgreen which is shown here on the 1870 Ordnance Survey six-inch-to-the-mile map.
Ballgreen
The rickle of stanes beneath the rather lopsided tree is probably all that remains of the farm of Balgreen which is shown here on the 1870 Ordnance Survey six-inch-to-the-mile map.
Hillockhead The old house and steading at Hillockhead stand on a low eminence a couple of hundred metres south of the A95, with an open outlook to north and west.
Hillockhead
The old house and steading at Hillockhead stand on a low eminence a couple of hundred metres south of the A95, with an open outlook to north and west.
Auchindachy station (remains), 1997 View northwards, towards Keith etc.: ex-GNSR (Aberdeen) - Keith - Craigellachie - Elgin/Boat of Garten line. The station was closed when the regular passenger service ceased on 6/5/68, but although closed for goods in 11/71 the line survived to convey Excursions to - and whisky from, Dufftown at least until 1/91. The track remaining here in 1997 was saved and the Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway reintroduced trains over it to Drummuir in 6/2000 and on to Keith on 18/8/01,'reopening' Auchindachy station.
Auchindachy station (remains), 1997
View northwards, towards Keith etc.: ex-GNSR (Aberdeen) - Keith - Craigellachie - Elgin/Boat of Garten line. The station was closed when the regular passenger service ceased on 6/5/68, but although closed for goods in 11/71 the line survived to convey Excursions to - and whisky from, Dufftown at least until 1/91. The track remaining here in 1997 was saved and the Keith & Dufftown Heritage Railway reintroduced trains over it to Drummuir in 6/2000 and on to Keith on 18/8/01,'reopening' Auchindachy station.
A95 near Rosarie
A95 near Rosarie
Burnside of Allanbuie These days the farm is known as plain Burnside, but it's not the only Burnside in the vicinity. The 1868 Ordnance Survey six-inch-t-the-mile map gives it the full name.
Burnside of Allanbuie
These days the farm is known as plain Burnside, but it's not the only Burnside in the vicinity. The 1868 Ordnance Survey six-inch-t-the-mile map gives it the full name.
Buttercup Meadow The meadow provides a welcome splash of yellow on a dull afternoon. The modern house is Hayston.
Buttercup Meadow
The meadow provides a welcome splash of yellow on a dull afternoon. The modern house is Hayston.
Railway bridge A minor road off the A95 crosses the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line.
Railway bridge
A minor road off the A95 crosses the Aberdeen to Inverness railway line.
Burnside Farm
Burnside Farm
Electricity pylon Behind the pylon are Loanbank Cottages. To the left is Allanbuie Farm.
Electricity pylon
Behind the pylon are Loanbank Cottages. To the left is Allanbuie Farm.
Donkeys beside the line At Douglasbrae.
Donkeys beside the line
At Douglasbrae.
Trees planted at Broadfield Farm
Trees planted at Broadfield Farm
Show me another place!

Blackhill Wood is located at Grid Ref: NJ4049 (Lat: 57.529986, Lng: -2.9981284)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///unrealistic.stays.stag. Near Keith, Moray

Related Wikis

Auchindachy railway station

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Located within 500m of 57.529986,-2.9981284
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Lat/Long: 57.5323741/-3.0040768
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Lat/Long: 57.5328642/-3.0038079
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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