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Backmuir woods is a 45 hectare woodland cared for by The
Woodland Trust in partnership with a management group from the
local community. The mixture of mature and new woodland and the
wide variety of trees provide a haven for many kinds of wildlife.
Jays, woodpeckers, buzzards, ferns, fungi, roe deer and red
squirrels are part of that natural mix.
There are about 9km of trails, including 1.5km on a surfaced,
all-abilities track. The remainder being woodland trails which can
become soft and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is advised.
The gently sloping terrain offers views over the Tay to the south
and the Sidlaws to the north. Cache is set for Backmuir woods event
on Sunday 23rd October. Please do not log before this date.
This cache was inspired by the Fab Fawnsys, if you haven't done
any of their trails yet then get out and do them - they're well
worth the huffing and puffing up and down hills!!
Britain’s indigenous squirrel, the red squirrel, is facing
a massive decline in numbers due to the spread of the larger, and
more robust grey squirrel, which takes over their habitats and
food. They can also carry the squirrelpox virus, which is harmless
to greys, but is deadly to reds. The grey squirrel was introduced
into Britain from America during Victorian times.
In Scotland the red squirrel has disappeared from the Central
Belt and has suffered declines in many other areas including
Aberdeenshire, Perthshire, Angus, Ayrshire and the Borders.
If we allow grey squirrels to continue to spread across
Scotland, red squirrels could be extinct on the Scottish mainland
within 50 years.
In the local vicinity red squirrels can be found here in
Backmuir woods, and nearby in Templeton woods, Camperdown Park and
Caird Park. Any grey squirrels spotted in this neck of the woods
have a short life expectancy!
For more information on saving Scotland’s red squirrels
please visit www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk
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