There’s a very high risk of wildfire in central, eastern and southern Scotland from Tuesday 21 July to Friday 24 July. Please pay attention to local guidance and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Guidance - Open fires and BBQs in the outdoors | Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Quarry Wood

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A hilltop woodland overlooking the Moray Firth

Explore Quarry Wood and a network of paths through pines, larch and native oakwood.

As you wander through the woods, you’ll come across disused sandstone quarries. Remarkable fossils have been found here of reptiles. They lived in the desert sands 250 million years ago, well before the dinosaurs. One creature, named Elginia mirabilis, was about the size of a Labrador but armed with protective spines. You can see some of the fossils in Elgin museum, where you can also discover the rich human history of the area.

The ancient oakwood on the east side of the hill is an easy stroll from Elgin. If you’re quiet, you might spot roe deer as well as a variety of woodland birds. In springtime, listen out for the distinctive ‘drumming’ of great spotted woodpeckers as they declare their territory. This noise is achieved by rapidly pecking their beaks against trees and deadwood.

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