Culbin Sands - summary

This is a large area of shingle ridges, dune capped shingle ridges and sand dunes; probably the second largest area of blown sand in the UK. Offshore is one of the most important shingle bar structures in the UK (possibly in Europe).

Whilst afforestation has obscured much of the open dune vegetation (including extensive areas of dune heath) the site is an important source of timber. Paradoxically a secondary conservation interest has also developed as a result of the sand dune stability brought about the tree cover. In particular it has provided a habitat for terrestrial lichens growing on heather and has recently been identified by the British Lichen Society as one of the best sites for this type of lichen development in the United Kingdom. It has also become an important site for the rare pine martin.

Caption: The sandy foreshore and offshore shingle bar can be seen in the middle distance in this aerial photograph. The Culbin forest is also visible to the right of the open coast.

A detailed description of the history of the development of the site, especially related to its erosion and stabilisation is available (Ross 1992).

References

Ross, S. 1992. The Culbin Sands - Fact and Fiction. Centre for Scottish Studies, University of Aberdeen, 196 pp.