CROFTING AT BIG SKY LODGES

Crofting in the Highlands of Scotland - FARM BIODIVERSITY REPORT 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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).

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.

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