SSSIs
Highland Perthshire features numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) designated by NatureScot for their, woodlands, moors, wetlands, and geological value
. Notable sites include Ben Vrackie and Beinn a' Ghlò for upland habitats, Glen Tilt Woods for riparian woodlands, and the juniper woodlands at Balnaguard Glen. These areas protect diverse flora, fauna, and earth science features.
Registers of Scotland +3
Key SSSIs in Highland Perthshire
Mountain and Upland Areas: Beinn a' Ghlò, Ben Vrackie, Drumochter Hills, Glas Tulaichean, and the Cairnwell.
Woodlands: Ballyoukan Juniper Wood, Fungarth Juniper Wood, Struan Wood, and Glen Tilt Woods.
Glen and Valley Sites: Balnaguard Glen (juniper), Glen Fender Meadows, and Strathfleet (geological).
Lochs and Wetlands: Loch Moraig, Lochs Clunie and Marlee, and the Lochs of Butterstone, Craiglush, and Lowes.
Key Features and Importance
Juniper Scrub: The Balnaguard Glen SSSI is notable for protecting rare juniper scrub on birch woodland slopes.
Geology: The area holds significant sites for metamorphic rocks and glacial geomorphology, such as the Straloch Moraines.
Biodiversity: Many sites, such as the Abernethy Forest SSSI, support rare invertebrates, breeding birds, and ancient woodland.
For a full, interactive map and list, visit the NatureScot SiteLink service.
The main Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the Rannoch area are
Rannoch Moor SSSI, renowned for its vast peatland and ecology, and the Black Wood of Rannoch SSSI, a significant remnant of ancient Caledonian pine forest. These areas are protected for their unique habitats, rare species, and geological importance.
Rannoch Moor SSSI (10,102 hectares): Designated for its extensive western blanket bog, nutrient-poor lochs, and rare species like the Rannoch rush (Scheuchzeria palustris), beetles, and flies. It includes areas that are also Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar sites, such as Loch Ba and Loch Laidon.
Black Wood of Rannoch SSSI: Located on the southern shore of Loch Rannoch, this site is recognized for its ancient Caledonian pine forest, hosting a variety of native species and providing habitat for invertebrates and birds.
Rannoch Lochs SSSI: Specifically designated for its bird populations, including the black-throated diver.
These sites are crucial for biodiversity, with Rannoch Moor forming part of the broader Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area.
The Rannoch area in Scotland contains several major Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated for their unique biological, geological, and environmental importance.
Major SSSIs in Rannoch
Rannoch Moor SSSI
A vast area of approximately 10,103 hectares. It is nationally and internationally significant for its extensive blanket bog habitat and nutrient-poor water bodies. It is the only location in Britain where the Rannoch-rush (Scheuchzeria palustris) is found.
Located on the southern edge of Loch Rannoch, this site protects a significant area of relict Caledonian Forest. It is home to rare species such as the coralroot orchid and serrated wintergreen, as well as notable wildlife like the Scottish crossbill and pine marten.
This designation comprises a group of five nutrient-poor (oligotrophic) freshwater lochs, including Loch Ossian, Loch na Tota, Loch na Sgeallaig, Loch Dochard, and Lochan Loin nan Donnlaich. It is nationally important for breeding populations of black-throated divers.
Key Scientific Features
Flora: Beyond the Rannoch-rush, the area supports rare mosses like Ptilium crista-castrensis, dwarf birch, and various specialized bog plants.
Fauna: The sites host diverse invertebrate assemblages, including nationally rare beetles, flies, and moths. They also provide critical breeding grounds for moorland birds such as greenshank, dunlin, and golden plover.
Geology: The landscape is dominated by glacial features, including moraines and peat-filled depressions, representing some of the last significant icefield remains from the Loch Lomond Stadial.