Clash Wood is a mature coniferous woodland situated above the River Livet to the west of Tomnavoulin. It has a fascinating enclosed area where the natural regeneration of Scottish woodland in the absence of deer is amply demonstrated.
Roe Deer are common throughout Glenlivet. Usually inhabiting woodland, they often venture out onto the lower moors to graze on heather and bilberry. They are generally solitary and unlikely to be seen in groups larger than five or six. In the early morning or evening their alarm bark may well be heard before they are seen retreating rapidly into deeper cover.
Clash Wood has a good population of Red Squirrel that are most active shortly after dawn and immediately before dusk. You may find the remains of pine cones lying under trees where they have been feeding.
Red Squirrel bite the scales off pine cones to remove the seeds whereas Crossbill force the scales open with their beak.Looking carefully you may even find the feeding place of a Wood Mouse under a grassy tussock or pile of twigs. It makes a much neater job of a pine cone than the Squirrel!
In the trees you might hear Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Siskin or Goldcrest amongst the chorus of finches, thrushes and tits, whilst Buzzard soar overhead.
The nocturnal residents of Clash Wood include Badger, Pipistrelle Bat, Woodcock and Tawny Owl. Badger often emerge before dusk between May and August to forage for earthworms and other invertebrates. The Pipistrelle is often seen hunting insects amongst the trees at dusk during warmer months.