Download or read book Vehicle Hill Tracks in Northern Scotland written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2011-08 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is the most comprehensive account on the spread of vehicle tracks on hill land in northern Scotland that has occurred since the mid 1950s. It reviews timing, numbers, locations, distribution and impacts including run-off, soils and vegetation. Then it provides an impartial analysis of the generally low standards of construction and reinstatement, with recommendations to minimise impacts and maximise reinstatement. Included is a brief history of public concern about tracks. This culminated in a petition and debate in the Scottish Parliament and a decision by the Government Minister to hold a consultative review of planning procedures relevant to the control of tracks. The current book constitutes a sound factual baseline and store of technical information, richly illustrated with 58 colour photographs. This will benefit all, including the government, planning officers, landowners and the public who appreciate and value the Scottish countryside and wish to leave this priceless heritage in good heart for the benefit of future generations. Unfortunately a recent 'good practice guide' published by Scottish Natural Heritage is inadequate.
Download or read book A Snow Book Northern Scotland written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2011-09 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book documents long-term studies of snow on high land in the Cairmgorms, including fresh snow lying in summer, the extent of snow on Ben Macdui plateau at the start of June, and dates of the first fresh lying snowfalls at the sites of the main snow-beds. It reviews data on the survival of snow patches through to the following winter, and recounts a decline of snow patches in recent decades. The author describes observations on rock lichens in relation to snow-lie, and lists vantage points on public roads with good views of places with snow patches on alpine land. He describes skiing in and near Aberdeen in the snowy winters of the early 1950s, and an exceptional snowfall in the Cairngorms at the start of September 1976. The author presents some descriptions and photographs of how birds and mammals use snow for shelter and sleeping. It has long been well known that red grouse, ptarmigan and mountain hares use snow hollows, but here the author illustrates how a fox used a snow hole, and how an otter made a snow slide. He presents photographs of snow pillars, snow holes made by human parties practising in winter, and avalanches. Next he draws attention to the observation that the extent and species of lichen and moss on cliffs, boulders and soil signify the extent of snow-lie. These plants are absent on sites where snow lies very late, or where frequent avalanches plunging down the cliff or water flowing down it prevent plants from growing. Where prolonged snow-lie occurs at the foot of cliffs or on cliff-tops, a band of pale, greenish-yellow rock lichens that thrive in snowy conditions is conspicuous, and in sunshine easily visible to the naked eye at over a mile distance. Lastly he presents some photographs that show snow mould growing on hill vegetation in Iceland and Scotland. Keywords Snow, climate, weather, physical geography, science, birds, mammals Author Adam Watson, BSc, PhD, DSc, DUniv, raised in lowland Aberdeenshire, is a retired research ecologist aged 81. He began lifelong interests on winter snow in 1937, snow patches in 1938, the Cairngorms in 1939. A mountaineer and ski-mountaineer since boyhood, he has experienced Scotland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, mainland Canada, Newfoundland, Baffin Island, Finland, Switzerland, Italy, Vancouver Island and Alaska. His main research was and is on population biology, behaviour and habitat of northern birds and mammals. In retirement he has contributed 16 scientific publications on snow patches since 1994. He is a Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Royal Meteorological Society, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and Society of Biology, and an Emeritus Member of the Ecological Society of America. Since 1954 he has been a member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club and since 1968 author of the Club's District Guide to the Cairngorms.
Download or read book Place names in much of north east Scotland written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2013-03 with total page 406 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A study of Celtic, Scots and English place names across large sections of north-east Scotland, based on interviews with indigenous residents working the land and the sea, along with historical sources and maps.
Download or read book Hill Birds in north east Highlands written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2013-05 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author documents hatch-dates of ptarmigan and red grouse in relation to blaeberry growth and climate. He collates field observations on golden plover, involving proportions of dark-plumaged summering birds, breeding success, population density within and amongst areas, and declines since the late 1970s. Another chapter reviews evidence on dotterel abundance. The last chapter presents counts of the spring numbers of birds on many moorland and alpine study areas.
Download or read book Essays on lone trips mountain craft and other hill topics written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2016-05-04 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book begins with a thought-provoking article now reprinted, criticising the increasing influence of politically-correct organisations and politicians who desire to control freewill and mountaineering. Then comes a chapter with a critique of several writers on the Cairngorms in comparison with the original Seton Gordon. After the author published a review in 1977 on ‘The wildlife potential of the Cairngorms region’, he came under unwarranted attack by two influential private landowners who misrepresented what he wrote and even included a threat. A wider public should be aware of this. There follows an essay on biologist Professor Vero C. Wynne-Edwards, and another on the history of the research station near Banchory, established for studying at first red grouse and then ecological problems of mountain, moorland, woodland and fresh-water. The last chapter – the most important one and occupying a third of the book – gives the author’s lifetime view of the value of lone trips in climbing, ski-mountaineering and mountain-craft.
Download or read book Plants in north east Highlands written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2014 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Timing of blaeberry growth, tree regeneration, land use, plant orientation The author noted when blaeberry buds on Scottish alpine land began growth in spring and compared this with climatic data. He mapped natural tree regeneration on Deeside and Donside. The author criticises invalid claims about land use in Scotland and Norway, and about the alleged effects of sporting estates in reducing land fertility. Signs of orientation by plants and animals are described.
Download or read book Human Impacts on the Northern Cairngorms written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2012-04 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This authoritative impartial scientific account by a recognised expert, will be of interest to planning officers, ski companies, skiers, hill-walkers and mountaineers as well as the many in the public who appreciate wildlife and the Scottish countryside. The first part of this book presents the evidence of the author as the main scientific witness at the 1981 Lurcher's Gully Public Inquiry into proposals for ski developments on Cairn Gorm. The Inquiry examined human impacts for a week and remains the most thorough Inquiry on this topic so far in Scotland. Following the decision of the Reporter in charge of the Inquiry, the Secretary of State for Scotland rejected the proposals. In the second part of the book the author presents his unpublished research on certain aspects of the Inquiry that he continued to study afterwards, in more detail.
Download or read book Mammals in north east Highlands written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2013 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Timings of antler-shedding by red deer were noted, as well as deer-beds and winter deaths of red deer. The author recounts some old published statements about sheep, deer and vegetation in the Highlands, and uses old sources to estimate the numbers of red deer in Scotland at low ebb in the 1780s. Next he collates field observations by several colleagues and himself on vertebrate animals in the Cairngorms. He documents the abundance of mountain hares amongst different areas, and changes in their numbers within study areas and across years. This leads to a chapter on recent reductions of mountain hares by heavy killing on grouse-moor estates.
Download or read book Ugly Deeside Land vandalism by big timber machines written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2015-09-11 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author noticed severe damage to ground from big timber machines during the 1990s. Later he found that this destroyed the original pinewood soil and vegetation, and led to water-logging and wind-throw of standing trees beside machine ruts. In 2011–15 he surveyed this in many woods on Deeside and Donside, owned by the Forestry Commission and private owners. In every case, mistreatment of woodland by timber machines breached the conditions of The UK Forestry Standard 2011, as authorised by the FC. Machine use severely damages scenery and the public's ability to walk or ski safely. It has damaged and polluted watercourses. The public pay for this vandalism, because the UK timber industry depends on taxpayer's subsidies. The monster machines should be banned, the hypocritical and wasteful FC chopped.
Download or read book Some Days from a Hill Diary written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2012 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author presents extracts from his hill diary in Scotland, Iceland and Norway, including hill-walking, rock and snow climbing, ski-mountaineering, observing wildlife, and being with mountaineering companions and local people. These diary days started in 1943 when he was 13. They continued through a personal exploration of hill country, often solo, until 1951. The book portrays his excitement as he trod his beloved hills at first in summer and then in winter snow, and his joy at the beauty of nature. In his diary he caught his experiences of long days on the hills, describing views, wildlife, weather and local folk so vividly that readers easily imagine being there.
Download or read book Place name discoveries on Upper Deeside and the far Highlands written by Ian Murray and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2015-01-01 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book the authors present many unpublished place names from Upper Deeside and from counties in the Highlands beyond. These were heard from indigenous folk back to 1941. Names are given with phonetic spellings, so that readers can pronounce them accurately, and in most cases with translations from Gaelic, Norse, Scots or Pictish into English. The book is richly illustrated with photographs of places and informants. Of interest to residents and visitors, it should help preserve for the future an important aspect of local identity and language.
Download or read book Points sets and man written by Adam Watson and published by Paragon Publishing. This book was released on 2013-04 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, the author looks back at 56 years of personal experiences with his own pointers and setters, and those of members of the research team that he came later to lead. They studied the population biology, territorial behaviour, habitats and environment of red grouse and ptarmigan in Scotland. The joint achievements of men and dogs elicited a fresh understanding of populations and behaviour of animals in general, drawing international attention and recognition to the human workers. It is time to sing for recognition of the dogs, because the human achievements would have been immeasurably less had the faithful dogs not joined them to form a crucial inspirational partnership. The author tells of that partnership, its development and fruition. The book is mainly the author’s personal account, describing how the human workers gradually gained insight and experience that made the partnership ever more effective. Because the author’s dogs lived with him and his family, and the others in the team who had dogs usually kept them at home, part of the book tells of these relationships. Personal anecdotes and humorous events enliven the text. The author knew some other workers who used dogs to aid their research on wild animals, and visited them in Canada, USA, and Norway. Also he was in close touch with other colleagues who used dogs for wildlife research in France and northern Italy. A valuable international aspect to the book has been contributed by a few of these colleagues. Numerous photographs illustrate the text, showing dogs and men in fieldwork together and apart, as well as portraits of both. Hunters, shooters, researchers and dog enthusiasts in general will enjoy and appreciate this book
Download or read book The Wee Mad Road written by Jack Maloney and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lovesick sheep, rumors of war, storms at sea, whisky galore - a midlife escape from an 'empty nest' in America to start afresh in the wilds of Scotland.When their children grow up and leave home, authors Jack and Barbara Maloney sell their house in a midwest suburb and run off to the Highlands. Following a one-lane track called "The Wee Mad Road," they discover an isolated remnant of traditional Gaelic culture, peopled by characters as unique and memorable as the surrounding mountains. The Maloneys settle into an old stone cottage and spend two years in repeated collisions with quaint Highland ways. Entries from Barbara's diary detail the realities of village life, while Jack recounts tales of poachers, crofters and lairds in one of mainland Britain's most scenic and isolated corners.The Wee Mad Road is a warm and witty account of two years in the Highlands, with illustrations of everyday life in the wildest reaches of the United Kingdom. It's a 'how to' book for anyone who dreams of escaping the doldrums of suburban midlife and starting over.
Download or read book 100 Classic Coastal Walks in Scotland written by Andrew Dempster and published by Random House. This book was released on 2020-08-20 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you are keen to explore the six thousand miles of coastline that Scotland has to offer, then this is the perfect guide for you. Complete with maps and illustrations and covering walks ranging from gentle strolls, family friendly outings and full-scale hikes, this is the perfect handbook for any Scottish adventure! 'An invaluable accessory to the boots and the backpack' -- Daily Record 'This selection of day trips, including maps and useful information, is a welcome sight' -- Scottish Field 'Superb book with some great walks in it - ideal for new and old hikers alike' -- ***** Reader review 'Excellent and very informative' -- ***** Reader review 'Brilliant - very impressed, nicely laid out and nice maps too' -- ***** Reader review ************************************************************************************** Scotland and its islands encompass more than 10,000 miles of breath-taking coastline. The 100 routes outlined by Andrew Dempster in this essential guide take in the quaint fishing ports, long sun-bleached strands and vast golf links of the east coast; the grand Gothic cliffs, natural arches and storm-tossed sea-stacks that comprise much of the fractured edge of the Atlantic; the kaleidoscopic wildflower carpet of the Western Isles machair; the romantic castles and Clearance settlements of Skye; and myriad idyllic secluded beaches and awe-inspiring clifftop vantage points. This unique guide covers the whole spectrum, from short hour-long beach strolls to serious full-day hikes that require mountain gear and total commitment. Compiled in a user-friendly format, containing maps and illustrations throughout, 100 Classic Coastal Walks in Scotland provides a wealth of walking possibilities for anyone with an interest in outdoor pursuits, with many of the walks also suitable for children. Book that staycation now!
Download or read book A survey of vehicular hill tracks in north east Scotland for land use planning written by Adam Watson and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Proceedings National Wilderness Research Conference written by and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 568 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Hughs written by Andrew Dempster and published by Luath Press Ltd. This book was released on 2020-12-11 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Andrew Dempster has 40 years' experience of hillwalking the length and breadth of Scotland. Author of several climbing books, including the first guidebook to the Grahams, in this volume he identifies the best wee hills on the Scottish mainland.MUNRO at least 3,000ft highCORBETT 2,500–3,000ft high with a prominence of at least 500ft GRAHAM 2,000–2,499ft high with a drop of at least 150 metresHUGH (Hill Under Graham Height): under 2,000ft with exceptional characterThe Hughs all offer rewarding – and often stunning – climbs and views. Some are already popular. Many await discovery. Each one has great character. That is what the Hughs are all about.vFrom Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh to An Grianan in the far north, from Ben Hiant in the west to Bennachie in the east, the Hughs are a phenomenally diverse range of hills, stretching to all points of the compass. Accessible to people of any age, the Hughs are not defined by the sterile logic of relative height – they are a choice of the heart.
