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Special Areas of Conservation

Creag nan Gamhainn

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country Scotland
Unitary Authority Highlands and Islands
Centroid* NJ153196
Latitude 57.25972222
Longitude -3.404166667
SAC EU Code UK0013584
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 15.63
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of Creag nan Gamhainn SAC

General site character

  • Bogs, Marshes, Water fringed vegetation, Fens (6%)
  • Heath, Scrub, Maquis and Garrigue, Phygrana (1%)
  • Dry grassland, Steppes (7%)
  • Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland (28%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (57%)
  • Other land (including Towns, Villages, Roads, Waste places, Mines, Industrial sites) (1%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 7220 Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion)  * Priority feature

    Creag nan Gamhainn, a limestone crag and small, wooded gorge along the River Avon, is one of three sites selected in north-east Scotland for this habitat. An unusual feature of the site is the occurrence of Petrifying springs with tufa formation (Cratoneurion) within woodland. Although unusual in the UK, the habitat type is found in similar woodland situations in Fennoscandia. The mixed broad-leaved woodland has a ground flora rich in ferns. Other associated habitats include dry calcareous grassland and fen communities.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

  • Not Applicable

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.