Overview
A 27 acre of woodland on either side of the Annaty Burn on the outskirts of Perth. There is a network of footpaths (varying from 750 metres to 1.5km) along the burn and through the trees with several crossing places.
Birds
Notable Species
The birds of Quarrymill are mainly woodland and waterside species, with Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Mallard, Grey Heron and Common Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper.
The surrounding fields play host to geese in the winter and waders such as breeding Oystercatcher and there's the possibility of a fly-over Osprey.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Grey Heron, Pink-footed Goose, Mallard, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Common Pheasant, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, White-throated Dipper, Eurasian Wren, European Robin, Eurasian Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Eurasian Treecreeper, Carrion Crow, Rook, Chaffinch, European Greenfinch
Other Wildlife
The park has some 25 species of trees and shrubs, nearly all native to Scotland. With many different kinds of wild flowers, grasses, ferns and mosses, with carpets of Celandines, Bluebells and Water Aven, Wood Rush and Lords-and-Ladies.
Mammal species include Red Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Stoat, Fox and the American Mink.
Site Information
History and Use
Quarrymill derives its name from the 18th century sandstone quarry and the mills for spinning cotton and extracting starch from potatoes. The site was purchased by Arthur K Bell (of the Scotch whisky distillery) who gave it to the people of Perth. He founded the Gannochy Trust who maintain the woodland.
Being so close to Perth it is popular with dog walkers and families for picnics and/or feeding the ducks. However, most people do not stray far from the Visitor Centre and the Ridge Walk is generally only used by those capable of managing steep steps.
Areas of Interest
Quarrymill is beside Scone Palace, one of the best Hawfinch sites in Scotland.
Access and Facilities
The main entrance and car park is on the A93 Blairgowrie road, opposite the Upper Springland Centre. The car park opens at 9am - closing times vary, so check the board on entering.
There is a visitor centre with toilets (summer only) and a cafe run by the MacMillan Cancer Relief.
The paths are maintained in good condition and, apart from the woodland Ridge Walk, are suitable for wheel chairs. Seats and viewing platforms are on all the trails and there is a barbecue area as well.
A public footpath runs through to New Scone
Contact Details
The Visitor Centre, Quarrymill Woodland Park, Isla Road, Perth. Tel: 01738 633890
References
Information gleaned from leaflets supplied by the Gannochy Trust
