Glen Falloch Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Glen Falloch now supports sheep and cattle grazing, and is also managed as a deer forest, however, it is probable that the ancient pine forest here was managed as a wood pasture and a combination of grazing and past felling has resulted in the present remnant pinewood.
Start on the old road, which is now used for parking and cross the stile into the field. Pick your way across the boggy patches to the little tunnel under the railway, then follow the farm track pretty much all the way to the cache. Boots are necessary, as are waterproofs in case the weather changes.
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) has the largest natural distribution of any conifer in the world, ranging from northern Norway to Spain, and from Scotland across Europe and Asia to Siberia and North East China.
In Scotland, pines were an important component of post-glacial natural forests which covered 70% of the country - The Wood of Caledon or The Great Caledonian Pine Forest.
The small section of forest to the right of the path that runs parallel to the A82 and the West Highland Way is the southernmost surviving remnant of natural pine forest in Scotland. In the mid 1980's stock and deer proof enclosures were constructed and 1200 pine seedlings were planted. Now, both pine and alder are thriving, and there has been a natural regeneration of birch, rowan and aspen.
Historical records indicate that Glen Falloch Pinewoods represent remnant primary woodland, this site having witnessed continuous woodland cover throughout the ages. Pollen analysis shows that the wood is unusual in that it was established 4300 years ago, a time when most woodland of this type was receding throughout western Scotland. The remnant trees existing today are estimated to be aged between 100-150 years old.
Like a lot of the country around here, this land is used for grazing, so expect to come across cows and sheep at some point. Please keep dogs under control.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orfvqr gur evire. Ba n yrqtr, pbirerq jvgu ebpxf.