Camer Wood

Low Camer is an ancient semi-natural woodland which was replanted with oak in the 1930's. In the 1970's the woodland was underplanted with Douglas Fir, this conifer crop was removed in 1999. A small car parking area has been constructed at the north end of the wood where there is an all abilities access to a viewing point. A rough track passes through the woodland and emerges onto the main road approximately 400 metres south of the car park. An interpretation board is present.

Regeneration of ground flora following
removal of Douglas fir

Since removal of the conifer, regeneration of the ground flora has been extensive, with sixty-five different species now recorded. Bird boxes erected by the Activity Resource Centre, Newton Stewart and Port William Primary School have been occupied by pied flycatchers.

Port William Primary School
pupils putting up bird boxes.

The area of High Camer woodland to the east of the road, consists of an area of ancient semi-natural woodland. Mature oak was removed from this woodland during the 1950's and there has been extensive regeneration of birch. The ground vegetation is dominated by bluebells, honeysuckle and wood sorrel. A rough track passes into the woodland from a picnic site next to the main road. At the north eastern tip of High Camer is a deer fenced area to encourage natural regeneration of the oak woodland adjacent to ancient oak trees.

To the south of High Camer an extensive area of sitka spruce plantation, linking this oak woodland with the Wood of Cree, was removed during 2000. The area is now open heath grassland which contains birch, rowan, hawthorn and the occasional oak which survived the conifer crop.

Amongst the woodland birds are wood warbler, pied flycatcher, redstart, redpoll and tawny owl. The butterfly populations during the summer include the large skipper (approaching its northern limits), scotch argus, purple hairstreak and small pearl bordered fritillary.

During the 17th century the area was farmed and there are remains of the old farm buildings in High Camer.

On-going Management

High Camer

- Removal of remaining Douglas fir.

- Creation of a circular walk via old farmstead.

- Monitoring of natural regeneration of tree species in deer exclosure.

- Monitoring of vegetation changes in woodland following ground disturbance.

- Monitoring of breeding bird populations.

- Monitoring of butterfly populations.

Regeneration of broadleaves
following removal of conifers

Low Camer

- Construction of two bridges over streams within woodland.

- Construction of steps on circular path.

- Removal of old deer fences within woodland.

- Monitoring of natural regeneration of tree species.

- Monitoring of plant species in quadrats.