In the Abernethy pinewoods of the Cairngorms, recent storms have reshaped the landscape, creating new gaps and altering ecosystems. Storm Amy has windthrown several trees, revealing previously hidden 'granny' pines—ancient, gnarled specimens that stand out among the more uniform plantation trees. The storm path, marked by diagonal lines of fallen trees, points northeast, indicating the direction of the prevailing wind.
The fallen trees are already beginning to transform the woodland. As they decay, they will provide habitats for beetles, ants, hoverflies, and rare fungi that depend on deadwood. The increased sunlight reaching the forest floor will encourage pioneer species like birch, rowan, and juniper to establish themselves. The root plates of the fallen trees, some as tall as a person, create ideal dust-bathing spots for capercaillies, while the holes left behind may develop into small pools that attract amphibians and dragonflies.
The wind continues to strengthen, drowning out the calls of coal tits and crested tits, and the creaking of trees rubbing together. As the afternoon sun catches the falling birch leaves, the author decides it is time to head home, leaving the ever-changing woodland to continue its natural cycle of destruction and renewal.
