  |
|||
|
|
Title: Big Sky Lodges, Croft 14, Drynie Park, Ross shire, Highland, Scotland |
||
|
Introduction to farm environment On 14 Drynie Park Farm during nesting times and while wildflowers develop and bloom, some fields are kept at low stocking rates and livestock are excluded in some cases.
Croft 14, Drynie Park supports the following priority habitats identified within the Local Biodiversity Action Plan: Acid Grassland Arable Field Margins Lowland Meadows Non Species Rich Hedgerows Over Wintering Crops Rushes & Marginal Vegetation Key Species Key species, which may be found on the croft and in the surrounding area include: Barn Owl, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Common Eyebright, Corn Marigold, Devils Bit Scabious, Goldfinch, Knapweed, Lapwing, Ragged Robin, Yellowhammer, Corn Bunting, Great Yellow Bumblebee, Northern Brown Argus, Cornflower, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Linnet, Brown Hare, Grey Partridge, Skylark, Reed Bunting, Pipistrelle Bat Some of these are closely associated with farmland or are affected by farming activities and act as indicators of the extent and health of farmland habitats. Hedgerows A new hedgerow was established recently on this croft . The hedge which contains a mixture of hawthorn, blackthorn, rose and willow will become a valuable source of food and shelter to wildlife on the croft.
Unimproved Grassland This croft supports unimproved grassland on areas which were historically less intensively managed . A wildflower and grass mixture has also been sown in 2007 (see farm trail feature1). These areas are now sensitively managed during the summer months to allow the development, flowering and seeding of wild grass and herb swards. Colourful displays and wonderful fragrances can be enjoyed from an array of wildflowers such as field pansy, ragged robin, devil’s– bit scabious, eyebright, red clover, yarrow and birdsfoot trefoil. The vigorous activity of bees and other insect make these areas a joy to behold.
Created Habitats Cropping now takes place on this croft in an extensive manner favourable to farmland birds and grass margins are adopted resulting in optimum conservation value of cropped land. A wild bird cover crop has also been established providing cover and a valuable source of food for small seed eating birds. |
Woodland & Scrub Past amenity tree planting has lead to the development of young woodland on this croft. Birch, cherry and willow, together with Scots pine and European larch have all established well and offer good habitat for priority species such as pipistrelle bat, bullfinch, goldfinch and yellowhammer (see farm trail feature 8). Older woodland exists beyond the dry stone dyke outside the southern boundary of the croft and here rowan, gean, birch, whitebeam and Scots pine grow adjacent to fine open larch and Scots pine plantation (see farm trail feature 2 and 5). Gorse and broom scrub is also well established amongst the older woodland.
Archaeology and Drystone Dykes This croft is part of a traditional crofting landscape with small field enclosures, drystone dykes and mounds of stone which were once cleared from the land to allow cultivations to take place. One fine dyke marks the southern boundary of this croft and the adjacent croft land. These old, expertly crafted walls provide shelter and shade to livestock and habitat for plants, invertebrates and small mammals.
Public Access Drynie Park contains a number of excellent walks which allow visitors to view the croft and enjoy all the features of importance. The walk shown on the map also link with other paths of varying terrain and distance .
While exploring the croft and the surrounding area visitors are asked to minimise disturbance to livestock and wildlife.
Also take care when walking on the edge of the narrow single track road.
|
||
| Photographs and text courtesy of Michael Blackburn - The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Scotland Ltd, Rural Stewardship Scheme | |||
|
Local Food
Farmers Markets are held on Dingwall High Street on the second Saturday of
the month and in Inverness on the first Saturday of the month from March to
December.
Black Isle Berries, Ryefield, Tore, Muir of Ord Tel: 01463 811276
Sale of seasonal soft fruit and vegetables
Coulmore Farm CSA, North Kessock, Ross-shire, IV1 3XB Tel: 01463 731360
Organic beef and lamb
MacLeod Organics, Kylerona Farm, Ardersier, InvernessIV2 7QZ Tel:1667 462555 www.macleod.organics@virgin.net
Organic vegetable box scheme
Connage Highland Diary Milton of Connage Ardersier Inverness– shire IV2 7QU Tel: 01667642000
Producers of organic cheeses
For further local food producers, markets and retailers see the HILFN website: www.hilocalfood.net
|
|||
|
|
|||
