The lower raeches of the River Spey at Craigellachie, Morayshire. Scotland. SCO 8512
The Spey is the second longest river in Scotland and owes much of its character to two major events. More than 400 million years ago, the granite rocks of the Grampian Mountains were formed. Rain, sun, wind, rivers and ice eroded many peaks to leave the rounded shapes of the Monadhliath and Cairngorm ranges. During the past 2. 5 million years, huge glaciers tore away much of the rock to create the great strath (Gaelic for broad valley) of the Spey. The loose rocks and the spreads of sands and gravels are the debris left by the great ice flows and their melt waters. As the river approaches the sea, it runs over sandstone, often altering its channels before meeting the shifting shingle ridges of the coast. The water of life Overall, the Spey is one of the most unpolluted rivers in Britain and its status as a protected area will help to maintain water quality. Both river and riverside provide habitats for many plants, insects, birds and mammals. Most species are dependent upon the river and often upon each other. Otters eat fish that need well-aerated waters and live among bankside plants that are home to insects and other invertebrates. Birds eat insects and larvae, fish and small creatures, fruit and pine kernels, according to their species. Any interruption of this precious ‘web of life’ can have long-term consequences, often for more than one species. The waters and wildlife of the Spey, set against the mountains, attract many people. Visitors bring added vitality and much-needed business to the community - adding to the river’s web of life. The Spey is an area worthy of special conservation for many reasons. The Atlantic salmon holds a special place in most people’s affections, whether for its indomitable energy, its navigational skills or simply its taste! Although declining in number elsewhere in Europe, thousands of mature fish return to the Spey each year to spawn after time spent at sea.
Size: 6063px × 4035px
Location: River Spey, Creagellachie. Moray. Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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