Sites of Special Scientific Interest

8.Scottish Natural Heritage

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Also, three of the component Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) within the European Union sites lie immediately adjacent to the Cairngorm ski area; Glenmore Forest SSSI, Northern Corries SSSI and Cairngorm SSSI. These SSSI's are designated for their plants, animals, habitats,landforms or rocks and provide an important tool in caring for and protecting the natural heritage.

So, just what is so special about this area that resulted in all of these designations? Well, the main features of European interest were the Caledonian forest - particularly the Caledonian pinewood on the lower glens.Also of interest were the Nordus grasslands, Alpine pioneer formations of Caricion bicolons, atrofuscae, bog woodland and the active blanket bog. There was also a range of wildlife considered important for conservation, including the Scottish Crossbill, Capercaille, Golden Eagle, Peregrinne, Merlin and Osprey.

Click on "play" to see the Caledonian forest