The underlying geology of Goatfell is granite, and this, combined with the high rainfall, offers a challenging environment where plants have had to adapt to the poor growing conditions. Upland blanket bogs support carnivorous plants such as butterwort and sundew, and in our peaty pools, lesser bladderwort. In sheltered gullies, the moist climate promotes the growth of many fern and lichen species associated with the Atlantic rainforest. Conditions on the granite summits are very harsh, but here you can find the least willow clinging onto the fragile soils. Least willow ’woodlands’ can be as small as 1m square and as high as 6cm; in autumn, their associated fungi tower over the tiny plants.
Habitat restoration is underway in Glen Rosa, where we are re-establishing upland birch woodland and providing a home for the three species of Arran whitebeam, which are among the rarest and most endangered tree species in the world. The Arran whitebeam is a rowan and rock whitebeam hybrid and has stayed on the Isle of Arran since the last glaciers receded. The cut-leaved and Catacol whitebeam are further hybrids of the Arran whitebeam. Work is ongoing to propagate these three species and safeguard them from extinction in the future.
Whether you’re a botanist, an explorer or someone who simply loves nature, Goatfell is the perfect place to discover some truly extraordinary plant life.
