Ministers Moss Wood, Sauchen, Aberdeenshire

Ministers Moss is the original name for an area of the larger woodland; the section of 'moss' in the heart of this wood brings with it an ecological treasure trove. Whilst alder, birch and willow dominate the skyline the woods are rich in wildflowers and many different mosses that attract a variety of insect life, in turn these attract a wide variety of bird life.

The entrance to the wood sits atop higher ground and it is here that any woodland shelters could be situated. The trees are large comprising mainly mature Scots pine and will provide a substantial volume of project timber, if that is what is required. It is here that a bench has been sited, taking advantage of the views down towards the moss. The previously coppiced sycamore would provide an easy to manage source of fire wood, on a sustainable rotational basis.

A gently flowing burn that bounds one side of the wood acts as a magnet for birds and small animals and adjacent to this is a path that is used infrequently. (There is a chicken hut with a few chickens happily living on the land, owned by one of the neighbours, that will be moved once a home for the woodland has been found.) The presence of water within a woodland is a valuable commodity to both human and wild life.

Alder is the food plant for the caterpillars of several moths, including the alder kitten, pebble hook-tip, the autumnal and the blue bordered carpet moth. Catkins provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, and the seeds are eaten by the siskin, redpoll and goldfinch.

The more damp conditions, usually associated with alder woodland, are ideal for a number of mosses, lichens and fungi, along with the small pearl-bordered fritillary and chequered skipper butterflies and also some species of crane fly. Alder roots make the perfect nest sites for otters though as yet none have been spotted at Ministers Moss Wood.

Access to the wood is exceptionally good, with the tracks having been recently substantially strengthened with excellent stone from within the woodland and will be maintenance free for many years to come. Given the convenience of easy access from Aberdeen, these woods have attracted a great deal of interest and attention and early viewing is advised.

The surrounding area is steeped in history with the close proximity of Castle Fraser and Cluny Castle, both fine examples of 16th century architecture, though the core of Castle Fraser dates back to the 1450s. Craigievar Castle in nearby Alford, a pink castle supposedly the inspiration for Walt Disney, is another local attraction as well as the Loch of Skene: the loch supports concentrations of wildfowl in autumn and winter in particular greylag geese, goldeneye ducks and pink-footed geese.. From here it is a short hop to the Cairngorm National Park, arguably the heart of Scotland in many ways.