Native woodland Ancient trees, Queens and spies

The original wildwood Ballochbuie Forest to prevent it Huge ‘boreal’ forests girdle you could claim that Aspen trees Although the original native being sold to an timber the Northern hemisphere and, are actually the oldest in the Park. has been severely merchant. Ever since, these beautiful together with the tropical Aspen grow clustered in stands diminished over hundreds of years old Caledonian pines have been rainforests of the South and East, that spring from a single root net- through grazing, logging, encroachment preserved by generations of the they’re the lungs of the planet. work and, while the individual trees and fire, several areas still date back Royal Family, and they’re now one But shockingly little remains of live for around 150 years, their to the original wildwood, These of the largest remnants of original ’s ancient Caledonian roots are thousands of years old. magnificent Scots pines (Pinus Caledonian forest. According to Forest - and more than 50% is in sylvestris) average around 400-500 Queen Victoria - an early the Macaulay Institute of Aberdeen, the . This years old - and they’re still going conservationist Ballochbuie Scots pine are more globally important boreal habitat is strong. These precious areas are In 1878 Queen Victoria intervened than 400 years old. a haven to numerous species, not being extended. Technically, however, in a major timber sale: she purchased least the great trees themselves.

Native trees: Alder • Ash • Aspen • Birch • Elder • Elm • Hawthorn • Hazel • Holly • Juniper • Oak • Rowan • Scots Pine • Willow

You can stroll through Britain’s World War 2 spies trained in the Cairngorms largest remaining areas of The Special Operations Executive trained agents in warfare semi-natural woodlands in the and skiing around to prepare for a raid in German-occupied river valleys and climb up above . After the war many wanted to continue skiing; their persistence to Britain’s highest altitude resulted in a path to the remote Coire Cas, and the 1st chair lift in 1961. montane woodland, including the most natural treeline at 640m on Creag Fhiaclach. Woodland walks Private and public landowners and Here are just three of the most picturesque pathways - find out more at walkhighlands.co.uk. Along the way, charitable bodies are successfully watch out for red squirrels, crested tits, cross-bills and, if you’re very lucky, the rare large grouse - capercaillie. expanding the Caledonian Forest, • Glen Feshie - full of magnificent trees. A 4-hour walk for nearly 8 miles through the beautiful Glen Feshie; ensuring the National Park will the upper reaches are clothed in awesome Scots pinewoods. Grid reference: NN850985 remain one of the best places to experience wonderful woodlands • pinewoods, near . A 2.5 hour walk for 5 miles along an easy, way-marked circuit for centuries to come. And organi- through the largest remnant of Caledonian Scots pinewoods. Grid reference: NO480965 sations and individuals are coming • The magical Lochan Uaine - green lochan. A 2-3 hour circuit through ancient pines leading to the together as Cairngorms Nature – a stunning An Lochan Uaine - the green lochan. A detour with a gentle climb leads up to the Ryvoan pass. new partnership that will safeguard The return walk has stunning views of Loch Morlich and Cairngorm. Grid reference: NH977098 and enhance outstanding nature in the Park. © Ashworth Map & Interpretation Ltd 2013 ©