Rosie@985637
22nd February 2023
No, it’s not access to an adult site, it’s the OS grid reference to a hardy old Rowan tree growing on the flanks of Meall a’ Ghuithais just below 600m altitude. I’ve had a ‘relationship’ with Rosie now for over 9 years!
Otherwise, it has been a cloudy day with isolated showers and there is a slight dusting of new snow, more obvious on the highest summits in the Torridon area. The old snow patches remain firm and well bonded throughout.
(Above 2 photos) Rosie in the shelter of a man made wall. She has spread over the years, but not gained much height due to the wind exposure and browsing by deer.
(Above) Early morning and the slightest of a dusting of new snow on the ridge between Creag Dhubh and Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe of Beinn Eighe. The snow line came down through the morning to around 650m as the showers intensified and the freezing level lowered.
(Above 2 photos) Looking into the north side of Beinn Eighe.
(Above) Slivers of old snow on the NE aspect of Meall a’ Ghuithais. The north summit in the photo is at 870m.
(Above) The summit of Slioch clearing as the passing of a shower.
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Matt Dalby
22nd February 2023 10:16 pm
Is Rosie one tree that has coppiced after being browsed or 3 separate trees because there were multiple seeds in the original bird poo that left them there?
torridonadmin
23rd February 2023 1:40 pm
Hi Matt. Interesting point. There are 3 stems as seen in the photo, but we would have to clear the vegetation from around the base of the tree/s to see if there is any coppicing or 3 individual stems. My gut feeling is that there are three individual stems and the browsing has occurred at a later date. How old is Rosie then? Cheers. Andy
Matt Dalby
23rd February 2023 10:58 pm
If Rosie has suffered a lot of browsing in addition to harsh weather and poor soil she could be 20-25 years old, maybe even older. Can you remember how big she was when you first saw her?
torridonadmin
24th February 2023 1:57 pm
Agreed. She was much taller, perhaps 40cm above the height of the shelter, but was severely browsed a few years ago and as is the way, has spread sideways rather than upwards again. We’ll keep an eye on her for sure. Cheers.