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Welcome

Welcome to
Laide & Aultbea Community Wood

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Located in the West Highlands, Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland (LACW), including two inland lochs, extends to 86.6 hectares (214 acres). It was originally owned and planted with mostly conifers by the Forestry Commission between 1963-67. Little management was carried out and the woodland was sold in 1993 and then changed hands several more times before being purchased by the community in 2003 when LACW was established.


Since 2003, trails have been created, bridges built, a bird hide constructed and over 62,000 (mostly) new broadleaf trees planted. A new 1.4km trail was completed in 2020 and a fully accessible picnic area developed in 2021.

The woodland is run by Trustees/Directors drawn from the local community and has an enthusiastic volunteer team and active membership, all of whom help to achieve our key charitable objectives:

To manage access to LACW, provide opportunities for recreation and conserve, regenerate and preserve the woodland 

To encourage community involvement in the management of the woodland

Everyone is welcome at LACW and we hope you enjoy your visit

Latest News

White Tailed Eagles, Otters & a blanket of snow visits Laide Wood

January 2024

In the middle of January we received an icy blast from the Arctic which covered Wester Ross in possibly the most snow the area has seen in around 15 years. Whilst it caused some issues for people getting around it certainly didn't hinder the local wildlife. During an early morning walk we found evidence of where an otter had slid through the snow towards one of the burns, deer prints were found along the trails & in between heavy snow showers two White Tailed Eagles took the opportunity to hunt over the wood.

Fungus Foray

                                                                       October 2023

                                                                                       It was exciting to plan a resumption of Laide Wood autumn fungus forays, dislocated since                                                                                             the last one in 2019 by the COVID lockdown. It nearly did not happen, as the forecast for the                                                                                         day was dire and we awoke to heavy rain-so much so that we contacted some people early                                                                                           in the morning to say it was cancelled. However, when we arrived at the car park at 9.30 to                                                                                           inform the expected few diehards we found that by 10am, the planned start, there were a                                                                                               goodly number of participants (17) and the rain had ceased, so we uncancelled! -Apologies                                                                                           to those that did not come having heard the bad news. Please come next year.

                                                                                       After the usual introduction by JH  to the ‘world of the fungi’and the safety briefing, we                                                                                                   followed the left hand path through the deciduous tree plantings below the car park and were immediately slowed to a snail pace by the discovery of lots of fungi in the grass, including very tall stemmed  and handsome pale brown caps of the Spring Cavalier (Melanoleuca cognata) ,which also occurs in this area in April, hence the name. At the Pine plantation, after finding the bright red caps of the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) growing, as it often does, with  the reddish-orange domed fruit bodies of a the Peppery Bolete (Chalciporus piperatus),  we took a left-hand detour to follow the new cross path for a few hundred yards to look for the ‘Fairy Rings’ of the Hedgehog Fungus (Hydnum repandum) which straddled this path in 2019 .They were again there  but much wider in diameter, having ‘grown’ outwards in the intervening years; it is a pity we did not measure them in 2019 to be more accurate about this! As in 2019 there were also lots of purple caps of the Humpback Brittlegill (Russula caerulea) scattered through the area .

From here we returned the main path, crossed the new bridge (terrific construction!) and followed the path over to Loch  na Cathrach Duibhe finding lots of fungi as we went along Some were growing on the rotting Lodgepole Pine logs by the path, the tiers of pure white fleshy Angel’s Wings (Pleurotellus porrigens) being very prominent but even prettier were the hundreds of small brown toadstools of Hypholoma marginatum growing all over the wood chip piles so kindly donated to the fungi by working parties.  Possibly the best find here was the Milking Bonnet (Mycena galopus) growing in photogenic groups of small black toadstools which yielded drops of pure white ‘milk’ (a latex) when the stems were snapped. This is a new find for the wood. However the round white but soft pincushion shape of a very odd fungus with an even odder name, Postia ptychogaster growing on rotten wood next to the path runs the Milking Bonnet close for new finds and photogenic appearance. It was re-found by Chloe Hall  the following week and her photo of it appears alongside this account.

 

In the grass by the path there were different fungi. Some were species you find in lawns and pastures, notably the strongly pointed yellow- orange caps of the Blackening Waxcap (Hygrocybe conica ) which demonstrated the aptness of its popular name by  the stem rapidly turning black once we had had picked it and we also found some old totally black old fruit bodies. Alongside were the small jet black tongue shaped fruit bodies of the Earthtongue (Geoglossum)sticking up in the grass, also a grassland, not woodland, species. Identification needs a microscope but the two specimens collected proved to be a Black Earthtongue,  Geoglossum fallax, a new record for the wood.

Also along the path side and in the surrounding trees were lots of fruit bodies of the Tube Mushrooms (Boletes), with tubes rather than gills under the large fleshy caps, always common in Laide Wood because they grow in association with the various conifer species, especially Lodgepole Pine. The Weeping Bolete (Suillus granulosus) was the most abundant again, covering the floor of the wood around both lochs with its large pale-caps (very, very slimy- hence the name) with whitish yellow pores to the tubes beneath. Less abundant than previous years was Slippery Jack (Suillus luteus) commonest when we reached by the path along the north side of Loch na Creige. It has a much chunkier domed bright (and slimy) brown cap, bright yellow pores below and a very clear ring on the stem. As we walked along this path section we also found the striking white scaly columns of the young Lawyer’s Wig (Coprinus comatus) with older fruit bodies nearby already partly digested into the inky fluid into which all Inkcaps eventually dissolve. This fungus has occurred here in autumn for a number of years-and it also pops up around the car park, two very different habitats! We found another regular by digressing a little along the side of Loch na Creige on the return path to the car park finding the tall stalks and rounded heads of young fruit bodies of the  Pestle Puffball (Lycoperdon excipuliforme) in its usual place (seen there in at least the last five years) between path and loch. However we then retraced our steps and followed the path around the loch and entering the dense pine stands enjoyed the many bright red caps of a Brittle Gill, The Sickener (Russula emetica) scattered over the floor of the woodland. This fungus is not poisonous-as the name implies it quickly makes you sick so you do not retain it in your body (unlike some other truly poisonous fungi which are unfortunately readily digested).

Finally we arrived at the ‘waterfall area’. It always rewards in terms of the numbers and diversity of fungi: possibly because it has relatively old trees. Uniquely we have always found the white coral-like clubs of the Rough Coral (Clavulina rugosa) coming up in the moss by the path just after the wooden bridge over the burn leaving Loch na Creige and alongside the cascade itself there was in the usual place on the bank a large fruit body of the famously edible Penny Bun mushroom (also known as the Cep) (Boletus edulis).

We finished with a group photograph near the Bird Hide by which stage the rain had once again returned at some intensity. It was time to go! We retraced our steps to the car park trying to avoid too much delay by finding yet more fungi. Everyone seemed to enjoy the foray .Thanks for coming and especially our youngest participant (we do not recall his name unfortunately!) who proved to be such a good field assistant and he quickly learnt the technicalities of identifying fungi-well done! 

See you next year-let’s have a Spring Foray!

To see the photos of all the amazing Fungi please click on the link in the Downloads section.

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Six bridges down just one to go

August 2023

For 2 weeks in August volunteers were busy removing one of the old bridges that needed replacing. The new bridge is wider so it involved a fair bit of time being put into the design & measuring part of the process. Once the exact placement of the bridge had been established it was time to remove the old bridge & dig out a wider section for the foundations. The wood which was sourced from Inverewe Gardens needed cutting to size & preparing for installation, a process which is quite involved. With everything prepared the volunteers then began installing the new larger bridge, a physical task for the volunteers especially given the size & length of the beams required to span the stream.

Summers Bounty

June 2023

The wood is abundant with life & colour at the moment. The wildflowers are in full bloom, the young trees which were planted along the Heather Trail a few years ago are strong & healthy and the birds, insects, mammals & many other species are taking full advantage of all that the wood has to offer.

When walking along the Heather Trail visitors may notice many dead saplings on the ground, these are invasive self seeded Lodge Pole Pine & Sitka Spruce which have been removed by the volunteers. This is a necessary & ongoing process to allow the newly planted deciduous trees & Scots Pine space & light to flourish. 

When looking through the photos below you may glimpse a Long Tailed Tit chick & an adult Grebe with 3 chicks. It's fantastic to see so many people recording their wildlife sightings on the board in the wildlife hide. It's so encouraging to know that the wood supports such a diverse range of flora & fauna.

In recent months you may have noticed that the old wooden benches have been replaced with recycled plastic benches which have durability, will be low maintenance & far easier for the volunteers to look after. We would like to thank everyone who donated towards the new benches.

One year on from Storm Eunice

March 2023

It is just over a year since Storm Eunice left it's presence on the wood. The wood had to close to visitors for a spell due to the damage. Volunteers & Trustees worked tirelessly to clear up after the storm & reopen the trails that had been blocked by fallen trees & tree tops. There is still some evidence of the storm damage but it is really good to see the wood looking exceptional despite adversity. 

Here are some before & after photo's.....

Laide Wood in glorious Summer bloom

July 2022

Whilst the sun has been a little shy of late the flora in the wood certainly hasn't, the woodland has exploded into colour in recent weeks. 

It is a delight to see so much variety at this time of year which the insects are thoroughly enjoying with the dragonfly & damselfly population out in full flight!

The warm weather hasn't put off the volunteer working parties either who have repaired a section of the red trail making the surface of the path much easier for walking on, removed a fallen tree which was lying across the cascade & blocking the view of the top section. These are just a few of the many jobs which have been carried out recently.

Come and see for yourself the beauty of the wood in Summer..........

Magnificent Cone to mark LACW's Success

June 2022

To celebrate our success in Scotland's Finest Woods Awards 2021, we commissioned a carved cone sculpture for all our visitors to enjoy.

On Wednesday 29th June 2022, LACW Chair, John Rippin, unveiled the sculpture to the applause of some of the wood's co-Trustees and regular volunteers.

The cone was sculpted in elm by Iain Chalmers, a well-known chainsaw sculptor from the Black Isle. We selected elm because it is a hardwood and therefore tough but with beautifully patterned burls.

We hope you agree that it's a really wonderful addition to this beautiful community wood.

New Trees Flourishing

May 2022

Since purchasing Laide Wood in 2003, Trustees were committed to replacing the 1960's plantation with a mixed species woodland so as to increase bio-diversity at LACW. 

16,600 trees were planted at the end of 2019 / beginning of January 2020. These were mostly broadleaf including Alder, Willow, Aspen, Birch, Rowan, Oak, Hazel and Scots Pine.

The saplings are flourishing and we look forward to a more diverse woodland for future generations to enjoy.

You can see these new trees by walking the Heather Trail & part of the Two Lochs Trail.

New Link Trail!

May 2022

This short trail links the circular trail from the main car park with the "Heather Trail" from the north car park by the Old Smiddy B&B. Enjoy walking through the Scots Pine plantation but remember that some sections are soft underfoot and so may not be suitable for everyone.

Bridge Replacement Programme 

2021 - Ongoing

With funding from the People’s Postcode Trust we have an ongoing bridge replacement programme for the five bridges on the main trails.  We are using larch timber purchased from, and milled at, the National Trust for Scotland at Inverewe. Three bridges are complete and we will replace the remaining bridges by the end of 2023. Temporary closures of some paths may be necessary so we ask for your patience.

Your Woodland

There are three main trails in the woodland, two lochans, a cascade and a hide overlooking Loch Na Creige where you are very welcome to record your wildlife sightings. Seats are located throughout the woodland along the trails and there are picnic tables by Loch na Cathrach Duibhe and at the start of the Heather trail.

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Please click .HERE. to download a PDF map of LACW

Easier Access Trail

The 1.4 km "Heather Trail" starts from the car park near to the Old Smiddy B&B. You enter the "View For All" picnic area via an easy access self-closing gate and the trail runs down to Loch Na Creige.

The well-maintained trail is top-dressed with firm, well compacted fine gravel, and crosses Sand Burn in two places via bridges. Generally, it is 2 metres wide and whilst the gradient for most part is relatively accessible, there are a few moderately steep sections (1:8). The "View For All" area is level. The short distance to reach the first seat has an initial 1:9 gradient so this may be a good way to decide if the path is suitable for your abilities.

People using wheelchairs and mobility scooters use the trail to reach Loch Na Creige where there is a seat overlooking the lochan. 

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Your woodland

Be responsible, Respect Others and Stay Safe

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Follow the Scottish Outdoor Code & Leave No Trace
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About Us

Trustees and volunteers carry out:
  • Forestry management and maintenance

  • Financial management including fund-raising

  • Legal compliance

  • Administration

  • Health & safety

  • Promotion & PR

  • Delivery of projects 

Volunteer Working Parties

Our working party days are held every Tuesday.  Hands-on work includes maintenance of footpaths, fences and bridges as well as keeping paths weed-free, care of interpretation boards and anything needed to keep the wood safe for our visitors.  It is a great way to learn about forestry management, get plenty of exercise and enjoy the fresh air in the company of others.  We work throughout the year in rain, hail and shine. 

New working party volunteers are not just thrown in at the deep end! Induction training is given and help is always on hand from other volunteers.      

 

If you want to get involved or think you can contribute please click .HERE. to contact us and we will get back to you shortly.

About us

Thank you to our recent grant funders

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Awards

2019 awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (the MBE for volunteer groups) in recognition of the work undertaken by volunteers. 

2021 winners of Scotland’s Finest Wood Award for Small Community Woodlands.  This prestigious award recognises the contribution our wood makes to the lives of local people and acknowledges the steps we are taking to ensure long term sustainability of the woodland.  

Awards
Support LACW

Support LACW

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Membership 

As a member you help to cover on-going running costs and you are kept up to date with what’s happening.  

 

Membership is great value and runs for 12 months from 1st September each year:

Full member over 18 years £5.00 

Family membership - 2 adults over 18 years and children £10.00

Organisation/business £10.00

Concession £2.50 

 

LACW is a Company Limited by Guarantee (without shareholders) and a Charity registered in Scotland. As a member you guarantee to contribute a maximum of £1.00 (one pound sterling) to any outstanding creditors should the company be wound down.

 

The easiest way to become a member is to complete the membership form and pay online by BACS.

 

Alternatively, you may wish to download the application form .HERE  and then post your completed form with a cheque to the LACW Secretary (details on form).

 

LACW’s bank details are:

Bank: Bank of Scotland

Account name: Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland

Sort code: 80-06-87

Account no. 00439360

Please consider setting up a standing order to be paid on 1st September each year. Thank you.

Donate

LACW is run entirely by volunteers so there are no salary or administrative costs.  Every penny donated is used for developing new initiatives at the woodland.  

TO DONATE VIA PAYPAL CLICK BELOW

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Gift Aid

If you’re a UK taxpayer, you can boost the value of your membership or donation through Gift Aid so LACW will be able to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It will not cost you any extra.  

 

If you are eligible, please tick the Gift Aid box on your donation form.

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Gallery

Gallery & Video

Downloads & Links 

Downloads
Links

Community Woodlands Association       

Scotland’s Finest Wood Awards             

NTS Inverewe Gardens               

Russian Arctic Convoy Museum         

Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Gairloch Museum      

Downloads & Links

Contact Us

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Thanks for submitting!

LACW is a charity registered in Scotland No. SC034434 

LACW is a company registered in Scotland No. SC 249676 and is a Company Limited by Guarantee without share capital

Contact us
Directions

Directions

© Laide & Aultbea Community Woodland

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