Ardnamurchan - Flora and Fauna

From the highest peak of Ben Hiant where dwarf alpine plants such as alpine forget-me-not (Myosotis alpestris) and mountain azalea (Loiseleuria promcumbens) shelter from a late snowfall to the mild Gulf Stream warmed shores at its foot; Ardnamurchan's rich and varied flora and fauna are the nature lover's delight.

In spring yellow clusters of primroses (Primula vulgaris) share the same shaded banks as Majestic Red Deer, some of the finest stags in Scotland, true Monarchs of the Glen. On the lower valley floor, an otter playfully swims down a stream, unaware of the binoculars trained on his playground.

Further up this same burn where its steep sided Glen rings with the music from crystal clear waterfalls wood sorrel (Oxalis ecetosella) , wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and lesser celendine (Ranunculus ficaria) are to be found among lichen bedecked mountain oaks (Fagaceae Quercus petraea), birch (Betula pendula) and aspen (Populus tremula). This is also the time of year to visit the secluded splendour of Lochan nan Gruagaich.

Hidden amongst the conifers deer, roe, red and fallow can be seen drinking and grazing round the edge of a flower bedecked lochan the likes of which no formal water garden could hope to emulate. Water lilies (Nymphaea alba) in profusion open to meet the sun with arrowhead (Sagattaria sagittifolia) and bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) amongst more common water plants such as bulrush and sedge

Out on the Lochan truly wild brown trout rise to gossamer winged damsels flies. Dragon flies dart around the verges chasing their prey. As evening descends the verges of this and many of the other Ardnamurchan lochs change their tune from the singing of birds to the buzzing of insects and croaking of frogs.

Reptiles are in abundance frogs, toads, newts are all to be found as are slow worms, agile lizards and the elusive adder which although venomous would rather retreat quietly than attack.

Upstream from na Gruagaich the much larger Lochan Mhadaich Riabaich is also a frequent haunt of otters and if one is quick, the sight of the agile pine marten is not uncommon.

If one is lucky or cares to seek, cast antlers from red deer can be found among the grass. These antlers are used by many other animals as a source of calcium and if not found for some time, may show the tooth marks of voles or other small animals.

As summer wears on and the heather breaks into purple hue. Amongst the large expanses of the ordinary ling heather (Calluna vulgaris) one may find tufts of bell heather (Erica cinerea) growing on the dried spots and among rocks. Lower down bog myrtle (Myrica gale) and cross leaved heaths (Erica tetralix) are also present.

The salmon head upstream from the sea and can often be seen leaping falls on the Achateny Water or cruising beneath the bridge at Branault. From the shoreline porpoises in Loch Sunart are frequently viewed. Bottle nosed dolphins and minke whales are other late summer visitors.

Down at Port Ban or on the broad sweep of Sanna Bay the machair is in full bloom. Here the soil is enriched by centuries of storms depositing shells upon the shore to form a raised beach.

Once again the music of the mountains changes for August welcomes 'the rut'. Stags roaring echoing through the hills, challenging all comers for the right to take the hinds. The clashing of antlers grown to replace those that have been cast in the spring are now clear of velvet and clatter like percussion instruments signalling autumn's approach. The ancient woodland changes its green mantle to golds, reds and browns as though to challenge the heather's purple hue.

The first frosts hail winter, the leaves drift earthward, leaving Ardnamurchan's trees still bedecked in fragile lichen, each looking like a unique crystal chandelier. Lichens are a sign of the pure air, for lichens will not thrive where pollution is found. Ben Hiant once again has a summit of white but even yet one may stroll along the shoreline where the Gulf Stream waters flow. The deer again descend to the lower ground and the mountains tune becomes one of slumber awaiting once again the coming of spring. Ardnamurchan's wilderness for all seasons words cannot describe.

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