The ravines of Knapdale in mid-Argyll are draped in a mosaic of small plants, the variety of which is seldom matched anywhere else in the world.
Rocks, trees and branches, crags and old damp logs are covered by a collage of greens, browns, reds and yellows. These so-called ‘lower plants’ are mosses, liverworts and lichens.
Now you have the chance to experience these normally
unreachable surroundings on a remarkable gorge walk up the Dunardry Burn in Knapdale. The Near to Nature Trail showcases the special plants that live there and gives you a chance to experience biodiversity close-up, from treetop to gorge bottom. The first VIPs to try out the new trail were P4 pupils
of Lochgilphead Primary School, who experienced this spectacular world of woods, steep rocks, waterfalls and noisy, rushing water. On a beautiful day, with the sun piercing the woodland
canopy, the children learnt about some of the unique plants that live there. They wrote about their experiences in poetry, excerpts of which we’ve quoted here. The trail runs across the steep sides of the gorge and crosses the burn on a series of platforms, walkways and bridges close to waterfalls and cascades. Hearing other people speak above the noise of the water at these points is difficult, but provides a chance to observe and reflect on this special place. “The climate in these ravines is what makes the plants here so special,” explained Stan Phillips, an area officer with
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Waterfalls crashing on the rocks.
Steps as high as long grass. Emma Smyth
At the first bridge Kieran dropped his pencil, funnily enough. Who knows where it went. Calum Dylan MacDonald
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Hands-on experience. 2
Alongside the Dunardry Burn.
www.snh.gov.uk
It is dark and calm. Trees covered in moss and lichen. Lauren Kalache
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SNH in Lochgilphead. “It’s generally cool, with lots of wet days each year and relatively few days of frost. These are ideal conditions for the mosses, liverworts and lichens. “Once it’s been pointed out that this is no ordinary place, with no ordinary collection of species,” Stan continued, “then it’s hard not to scan the trunks of the trees, the branches and the twigs. You end up searching the smallest spaces to see the sheer diversity of life here. “The secret is simply to look – and the more you look, the more you see. By focusing in, the strange shapes and different forms of these plants begin to reveal themselves.” Mosses and liverworts are tiny plants but they play an
important role in the health and function of our environment. They provide a home for woodland creatures and act like a giant sponge that slows the flow of rain into our burns and rivers. Many of the liverworts have interesting smells and give the woodlands a distinct sweet and peppery perfume. At first, you might think that these lower plants are obscure organisms that will never be revealed by a simple stroll through the woods. But, as the small path winds its way down into the gorge, you’ll pass so many of these species that they would be very hard to miss – they literally cover most of the tree trunks and branches. This exciting new trail helps open a small window on
the riches to be found in one of mid-Argyll’s most secretive habitats. The Near to Nature Trail starts from the car park at Dunardry, 5 km west of Lochgilphead near the Crinan Canal. You can also access a number of other walks and cycle rides from this area.
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