Immediately above the Applecross village is a remnant of the ancient semi-natural broadleaved woods that once extending northeastwards towards Applecross House. These woods have been changed over the centuries as other non-native species such as beech and sycamore have been planted to diversify the landscape. The beechwood above the bay now provides quite a surreal feature within the surrounding wilderness and gives shelter to the neighbouring farmland.
Some trees have been cleared over time to allow housing and other development but, conversely, there are areas of historically farmed and settled land that have been planted in the last century. In the ten year period between 1965 and 1975 over 570 hectares were planted with conifers in various locations but mainly on land close to roads associated with the Estate or village with the intention of producing useful timber. Unfortunately most of these conifer forests will never achieve their intended objective as periodic storms have taken their toll and prematurely brought the timber to the ground. Plans are being prepared to harvest much of the wood over the next ten years. Once cleared the intention is to redesign the woodlands and replant with native species that will be more sustainable as a crop and habitat. Old settlements and archaeological remains will be re-discovered and preserved within forest openings and made accessible by a network of paths.
Semi-natural broadleaved woodlands continue into the sheltered Straths and tributaries within “Applecross Forest”. The use of “Forest” on current maps donates a range that is often now primarily moorland but is managed as a wildlife habitat. Grazing of natural regeneration by livestock & wild animals together with land management practices such as burning have contributed to the loss of woodland over the centuries. Examples of the remaining ancient wood may be found adjacent to the Allt Mhor and on the steep face of Meall an Doireachain.
Southwest of Applecross village the coastal exposure reduces the tree cover but the hazelwoods around Milltown are the most westerly example of their type and there are many other small semi-natural areas surviving where the environment permits. For example, birchwoods at Loch Toscaig, Uags, Arigh-drishaig and an ancient wood in the sheltered valley southeast of Culduie.
To the north of the Applecross peninsula the sheltered south west shore of Loch Torridon is occupied by further remnants in the vicinity of Kenmore, Ardheslaig and Inverbain. These have been protected within deer fence associated with the larger North Applecross native woodland planting scheme
Around Applecross House a mixture of deciduous trees and conifers were planted in past centuries to create parkland and policies for peaceful walks, shelter and recreation. Rhododendron was also planted that has since reverted to the wild poniticum variety and become a seriously invasive weed, favoured by the mild wet climate. Work is ongoing to control the rhododendron and allow the planting of other species that can enhance the natural environment.
