The area is of special scientific interest because of the richness and diversity of its woodland vegetation. Glen Burn is an area of semi - natural woodland on the slopes of the Glen Burn River. Over the extent of the site, the river flows in a north - westerly direction, within a narrow, steep - sided gorge - like valley.
The tree canopy is dense and very varied in its composition, ranging from areas of almost pure hazel to much more mature stands of ash. There are several oak stands and regeneration of tree seedlings, mainly ash, is taking place.
Although it is a comparitively small site, it is notable for the diversity of its ground flora communities. The majority of the woodland is situated on steep slopes, but flat areas also occur, and a range of communities from acid to base - rich are found. Slope and soil moisture variations account for the distribution of the dominant species eg bluebell on the freely drained upper slopes gives way to ramsons or wood anemone on the more waterlogged lower slopes.
The site contains the scarce plants Dutch rush, toothwort and the more frequent species broad leaved helleborine.
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