Grateful for this explanation of why the landscape is barren in that area. It was something that I thought about when seeing it. Your team efforts will hopefully restore the natural environment and habitat for years to come. The Last Ent is such a beauty of a tree and its history should be remembered & treasured.
The earth is sad where you were camping. As you said, the majestic mountains cover the absence of trees. It was beautiful but not complete. Seeing those seedlings/sapplings was a beautiful sight! May God bless this project! You and all those involved. Thank you for the video and update!
👏I can imagine that many of the important places in your area don't necessarily compel you to camp there but you nailed it by saying you should go there anyway to show us. This is the way 🎉
Definitely one of your best, Sam, in terms of both videography/editing and content. With a stunningly formidable backcloth like that, it was good you incorporated longer drone shots while you talked - and not only because it stopped the viewer obsessing about the number of grey hairs in your beard … 😃 (OK, you've got none - but if you had, the 4k would show no mercy.) That rocky island of vegetation provided perfect evidence of the cause-effect chain that's created such a barren landscape - could have been planted (so to speak)! And the Forest Thoughts taught me a lot about our one wych elm, even though the team photo made it look as though your project was a collaboration (or competition?) between giants and pixies … Re down: I agree with the 'diagnosis' made by another subscriber below, namely that it's to do with the quality. I've got a bodywarmer claiming to be 7.0 FP that sheds what should be down clusters but look like tiny feathers with spiky quills, not the dandelion seed heads they should resemble. So I think the manufacturer was playing fast & loose with the insulation. On the other hand my expensive 8.0 FP sleeping bag dates back to the start of the noughties and I've never yet seen any evidence of its innards. You might find yours settles down with washing. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but with a bit of manual de-clumping they bounce back beautifully from a bath.
Thanks as always for your detailed response Robert. I'm glad to see you enjoyed your video and that my editing skills are still improving! That makes a lot of sense on the quality of the down!
My friends and me wild camped on the shores, well just back from the shores of Loch Affric about twenty years ago. We spent a week in the north west highlands. Still have strong fond memories of that trip. I remember being genuinely moved when we approached Glen Coe. Literally took my breath away. Even without trees. But I could imagine it would look even better covered in forest. Great video 👍👍
I'm one of those you speak of in this video, not from Scotland (from California) and had no idea about the overgrazing and the changes in the landscape, so I appreciate the info you put out there. I watch a lot of UK hiking videos just for the sheer beauty of the country and I just assumed the Highlands were just barren yet beautiful. Your video footage is gorgeous, I'm enjoying catching up on them.
Beach brawl with a chicken - I'd pay money to see that! 😂 Seriously though, the location looks like something from a sci fi movie. Sad to think of the tragic loss of trees though.
Hi Sam, Thanks for another great video. I feel like I learn something different every time I watch. Great camp location on the beach and loved the comment "beach brawl with a chicken ". Yes my down bag does loose feathers on every use. I'm sure you can get them refilled, but will have to do some research on were.
Thanks as always for watching and commenting! Good to know it's not just me losing down. I think as a few people suggested it's the quality of the down and the stitching, definitely a lesson learned for me.
@@HighlandWoodsman Hej Sam, I've planned the late summer. You were kind enough to give me a few tips: South West Highlands. Places like Sunart and Ardnamurchan.
Good to see you both, what fantastic news! that has put a smile on my face 😊 It's great to see some Wych elm saplings have been planted, I really hope they manage to take hold and become good strong trees. Also good to hear that there will be more to come later on.
That's some spot that, mate! A great informative video and the editing was spot on - great to see you've got a good camping buddy too. After having a look at a map, I realised I wasn't too far from this area on my last trip to Scotland. I'm definitely going to be doing a bit of hiking up here the next time I'm up North, that landscape is just incredible. Just subbed and gonna check more of your videos out. Thanks for sharing. ATB, Ryan.
Really well produced video. Loved the rock island example of micro re-gen at the start. Excellent way of demonstrating what has happened and what can happen. Keep it coming. So motivating to see the Last Ent of Affric. Great project and got me off my arse to plant more native spices on the farm. You are having an effect albeit little by little. Keep at it!
Thanks so much Ed! I'm glad I caught the rock, I'd walked past it earlier and spotted it when I was half way up the hill and thought it was worth walking back down for 👍🏻
Great content! Your down sleeping bag should absolutely not shed its feathers. Maybe you can get a replacement. I've had several down sleeping bags over the years. The oldest surviving one is 10 years old, and only occasionally does one single feather work its way out of the bag.
At the 19 min. mark you describe what should be and how depressing it can be knowing that. Keep heart! Being in nature is good for the soul and your work is good for Scotland. Your videos cheer me up at least. Question: Did you happen upon that beach or did you know in advance that spot was there? And no clue about the down bag losing its feathers. Btw, your soundtrack and production are spot on.
Thanks for watching and the feedback! I'm always looking out for ideas and studying maps so I usually have a pretty good idea of where I am heading out to and Scotland is very small in that sense.
The down depends on the fill power, I have that bag also and altho the down is fine it's a slightly lesser quality down with tiny hard "stems" still on the feathers which poke out the material, this year I upgraded to a higher fill power so the rating is the same it's a higher quality feather with no hard stems so they don't poke out through the material 👍🏼 I think the leviathan is about 700 or 750 fill power. It's still a crackin bag for the price. Great vid bud
Another entertaining and informative video. Especially good drone video. I wonder if there are islands in the Lochs or Lochan that are not affected by the deer and sheep? I’m thinking they would indicate what the mainland could be. Thanks
Hi Kerry, thanks again for watching. The closest example I've come across are the islands on Loch Maree near to Kinlochewe. Some of them have a significant amount of ancient pinewood on them but even still they haven't avoided some impacts. Red deer are actually very good swimmers and will make quite the effort to get to food sources especially when there is very little else to eat.
@@HighlandWoodsman yes there are areas with reforesting efforts. There’s also a big heated debate about Lupine planting, which seems to evoke an almost visceral reaction amongst some folk. I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
@@alexm8289 Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I genuinely hadn't heard anything about that aspect of Iceland before. It's a tricky one for me to comment on having only just read about it but one thing I've definitely learned from Scotland is introducing non-native species especially at scale is never usually a good thing in the long term!
@@HighlandWoodsman Yes, that’s one of the arguments. The other is that it helps create better soil for other species to grow. I of course don’t know enough one way or the other, so just avidly watching and learning.
Don't know but it looks like the tree has been polarded to protect from grazing animals and to preserve root stock year's ago all the best with your biodiversity in that area God bless you 👍
Hi Woodsman, Your problem with the duck feather OEX Leviathan 900 sleeping bag is not unique to you. Many reviewers have commented that this make is particularly prone to shed feathers compared to other apparently equivalent bags, such as the much better UK made but more expensive RAB Ascent 900 - which has the same weight of fill but of a significantly better quality. You might, for example, look at 'Wildbeare's' comparative review of these two bags. That said, the OEX is still great value for money at £170 or less, which should be some consolation. The sand problem will not be solved if you insist on camping on a beach, especially with a large and lively dog! All best, Laidon.
Thanks for watching and the information! I tend to avoid clickbait empty content like Wildbeare but it's good to know it's not just my bag that is having problems 👍
Hi Sam, regarding your bag ... the only way you'll lose down is poor stitching or what can also happen is the bag is too small for your frame and you are stretching the stitching with movement throughout the night. I'd say this is probably the cause! A sleeping bag must be loose around you and this is also best for warmth retention. I'm down the rd from you near FW and have also started enjoying my tent too this year. Keep up the great vids 🤠
If theres a shortage of feathers,does the price of down go up? :) ..I dont have the answer to your down question,but I do know the video was an excellebt watch,,got another subscriber,who will binge watch your channel from the start.
Grateful for this explanation of why the landscape is barren in that area. It was something that I thought about when seeing it. Your team efforts will hopefully restore the natural environment and habitat for years to come. The Last Ent is such a beauty of a tree and its history should be remembered & treasured.
Thanks so much for watching and your continued support Irene 😄
The earth is sad where you were camping. As you said, the majestic mountains cover the absence of trees. It was beautiful but not complete. Seeing those seedlings/sapplings was a beautiful sight! May God bless this project! You and all those involved. Thank you for the video and update!
Thanks so much for watching!
👏I can imagine that many of the important places in your area don't necessarily compel you to camp there but you nailed it by saying you should go there anyway to show us. This is the way 🎉
Yeah that's exactly it! Thanks for watching.
Definitely one of your best, Sam, in terms of both videography/editing and content. With a stunningly formidable backcloth like that, it was good you incorporated longer drone shots while you talked - and not only because it stopped the viewer obsessing about the number of grey hairs in your beard … 😃 (OK, you've got none - but if you had, the 4k would show no mercy.) That rocky island of vegetation provided perfect evidence of the cause-effect chain that's created such a barren landscape - could have been planted (so to speak)! And the Forest Thoughts taught me a lot about our one wych elm, even though the team photo made it look as though your project was a collaboration (or competition?) between giants and pixies …
Re down: I agree with the 'diagnosis' made by another subscriber below, namely that it's to do with the quality. I've got a bodywarmer claiming to be 7.0 FP that sheds what should be down clusters but look like tiny feathers with spiky quills, not the dandelion seed heads they should resemble. So I think the manufacturer was playing fast & loose with the insulation. On the other hand my expensive 8.0 FP sleeping bag dates back to the start of the noughties and I've never yet seen any evidence of its innards. You might find yours settles down with washing. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but with a bit of manual de-clumping they bounce back beautifully from a bath.
Thanks as always for your detailed response Robert. I'm glad to see you enjoyed your video and that my editing skills are still improving!
That makes a lot of sense on the quality of the down!
My friends and me wild camped on the shores, well just back from the shores of Loch Affric about twenty years ago. We spent a week in the north west highlands. Still have strong fond memories of that trip. I remember being genuinely moved when we approached Glen Coe. Literally took my breath away. Even without trees. But I could imagine it would look even better covered in forest.
Great video 👍👍
Thanks again for watching Christopher. Have you been back to Affric since? Did you notice a change in the amount of tree cover?
I'm one of those you speak of in this video, not from Scotland (from California) and had no idea about the overgrazing and the changes in the landscape, so I appreciate the info you put out there. I watch a lot of UK hiking videos just for the sheer beauty of the country and I just assumed the Highlands were just barren yet beautiful. Your video footage is gorgeous, I'm enjoying catching up on them.
Thanks for watching Dan, this is exactly the type of impact I hope to have with my videos!
Well done Sam
Thanks Dad
Aw, what every son longs to hear from his father. You've done well to raise a fine man.
Beach brawl with a chicken - I'd pay money to see that! 😂 Seriously though, the location looks like something from a sci fi movie. Sad to think of the tragic loss of trees though.
Thanks so much for watching Jo 😁
Hi Sam,
Thanks for another great video. I feel like I learn something different every time I watch.
Great camp location on the beach and loved the comment "beach brawl with a chicken ". Yes my down bag does loose feathers on every use. I'm sure you can get them refilled, but will have to do some research on were.
Thanks as always for watching and commenting! Good to know it's not just me losing down. I think as a few people suggested it's the quality of the down and the stitching, definitely a lesson learned for me.
I can't wait to visit Scotland. Another beautiful video with great shots and I love listening. I really like these longer videos. Thank you for that😊
Thanks so much for watching - I'm glad you enjoyed the video! When will you be visiting Scotland? Do you know what areas you will visit?
@@HighlandWoodsman Hej Sam, I've planned the late summer. You were kind enough to give me a few tips: South West Highlands. Places like Sunart and Ardnamurchan.
Beaut video Sam. Visually and musically. So sad the landscape has been depleted due to overgrazing. Would have been amazing in the past. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Thanks as always Catherine!
Fantastic video Sam, really informative. Lovely to see you and Darach in the mountains. Good luck with the "Last Ent".
Thank you 😁
Poetic illustration of what is possible.. on that rock. Lovely spot by the lochan.
Thoroughly enjoyed Forest Thoughts. Yer a fine communicator.
Thanks so much Annie - appreciate that!
Good to see you both, what fantastic news! that has put a smile on my face 😊 It's great to see some Wych elm saplings have been planted, I really hope they manage to take hold and become good strong trees. Also good to hear that there will be more to come later on.
Thanks as always Tracy! 😀
How glorious Scotland would be without the grazers crewing up all the new plant life.. A rich abundance of forest and mountains.
It's one of my biggest frustrations with the whole situation...the wasted potential!
Really enjoyed your vid,and talk. Little on sleep at night? Keep the chickens out of tent. Looking to next vid
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
That's some spot that, mate! A great informative video and the editing was spot on - great to see you've got a good camping buddy too. After having a look at a map, I realised I wasn't too far from this area on my last trip to Scotland. I'm definitely going to be doing a bit of hiking up here the next time I'm up North, that landscape is just incredible. Just subbed and gonna check more of your videos out. Thanks for sharing. ATB, Ryan.
Thanks so much for watching and subscribing Ryan 😁👍🏻
Really well produced video. Loved the rock island example of micro re-gen at the start. Excellent way of demonstrating what has happened and what can happen. Keep it coming. So motivating to see the Last Ent of Affric. Great project and got me off my arse to plant more native spices on the farm. You are having an effect albeit little by little. Keep at it!
Thanks so much Ed! I'm glad I caught the rock, I'd walked past it earlier and spotted it when I was half way up the hill and thought it was worth walking back down for 👍🏻
Love your videos!
Thanks so much! 😄
Great content! Your down sleeping bag should absolutely not shed its feathers. Maybe you can get a replacement. I've had several down sleeping bags over the years. The oldest surviving one is 10 years old, and only occasionally does one single feather work its way out of the bag.
This is what I feared 😩
At the 19 min. mark you describe what should be and how depressing it can be knowing that. Keep heart! Being in nature is good for the soul and your work is good for Scotland. Your videos cheer me up at least. Question: Did you happen upon that beach or did you know in advance that spot was there? And no clue about the down bag losing its feathers. Btw, your soundtrack and production are spot on.
Thanks for watching and the feedback! I'm always looking out for ideas and studying maps so I usually have a pretty good idea of where I am heading out to and Scotland is very small in that sense.
The down depends on the fill power, I have that bag also and altho the down is fine it's a slightly lesser quality down with tiny hard "stems" still on the feathers which poke out the material, this year I upgraded to a higher fill power so the rating is the same it's a higher quality feather with no hard stems so they don't poke out through the material 👍🏼 I think the leviathan is about 700 or 750 fill power. It's still a crackin bag for the price. Great vid bud
Thanks so much for watching and the info Brian 👍🏻
Another entertaining and informative video. Especially good drone video.
I wonder if there are islands in the Lochs or Lochan that are not affected by the deer and sheep? I’m thinking they would indicate what the mainland could be. Thanks
Hi Kerry, thanks again for watching. The closest example I've come across are the islands on Loch Maree near to Kinlochewe. Some of them have a significant amount of ancient pinewood on them but even still they haven't avoided some impacts. Red deer are actually very good swimmers and will make quite the effort to get to food sources especially when there is very little else to eat.
Absolutely fascinating. This landscape looks a lot like Iceland, where there are more sheep than humans. Makes sense. Thank you for a beautiful video!
I believe reforesting efforts are also ramping up in Iceland?
@@HighlandWoodsman yes there are areas with reforesting efforts. There’s also a big heated debate about Lupine planting, which seems to evoke an almost visceral reaction amongst some folk. I would love to hear your thoughts on that.
@@alexm8289 Thanks for bringing that to my attention, I genuinely hadn't heard anything about that aspect of Iceland before. It's a tricky one for me to comment on having only just read about it but one thing I've definitely learned from Scotland is introducing non-native species especially at scale is never usually a good thing in the long term!
@@HighlandWoodsman Yes, that’s one of the arguments. The other is that it helps create better soil for other species to grow. I of course don’t know enough one way or the other, so just avidly watching and learning.
Great vid. Seemed like you were relaxed. The scenery looks post apocalypse Imagine that spot with willows thx again.
It would look incredible with a bit of greenery 😀
Spectacular scenery and amazing drone shots 👍
Thanks so much for watching 😄👍🏻
Don't know but it looks like the tree has been polarded to protect from grazing animals and to preserve root stock year's ago all the best with your biodiversity in that area God bless you 👍
Thank you 👍🏻
Interesting content, not overly chatty, beautiful filmography & audio.
Subscribed.
Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍🏻
❤️
🙌🏻
Hi Woodsman, Your problem with the duck feather OEX Leviathan 900 sleeping bag is not unique to you. Many reviewers have commented that this make is particularly prone to shed feathers compared to other apparently equivalent bags, such as the much better UK made but more expensive RAB Ascent 900 - which has the same weight of fill but of a significantly better quality. You might, for example, look at 'Wildbeare's' comparative review of these two bags. That said, the OEX is still great value for money at £170 or less, which should be some consolation. The sand problem will not be solved if you insist on camping on a beach, especially with a large and lively dog! All best, Laidon.
Thanks for watching and the information! I tend to avoid clickbait empty content like Wildbeare but it's good to know it's not just my bag that is having problems 👍
Hi Sam, regarding your bag ... the only way you'll lose down is poor stitching or what can also happen is the bag is too small for your frame and you are stretching the stitching with movement throughout the night. I'd say this is probably the cause! A sleeping bag must be loose around you and this is also best for warmth retention. I'm down the rd from you near FW and have also started enjoying my tent too this year. Keep up the great vids 🤠
Thanks Nigel
If theres a shortage of feathers,does the price of down go up? :) ..I dont have the answer to your down question,but I do know the video was an excellebt watch,,got another subscriber,who will binge watch your channel from the start.
Thanks so much for watching and subscribing 😁👍🏻
Very cool my friend😎
Thank you!
Yeaah bildy grazers man 😢
Thanks for watching 😀👍🏻
What a spot
😄👍🏻