Ae, Dumfries and Galloway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ae |
|
|---|---|
 The village of Ae |
|
 Ae
|
|
| Population | 200 (approx) |
| OS grid reference | NX983891 |
| • Edinburgh | 70 mi (110 km) NE |
| • London | 340 mi (550 km) SE |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DUMFRIES |
| Postcode district | DG1 |
| Dialling code | 01387 |
| Police | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Fire | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
|
| Scottish Parliament |
|
Ae (pronounced ay) is a small village. You can find it in Dumfries and Galloway, which is in south west Scotland. The village sits right next to a huge human-made conifer forest. This forest covers about 15,000 acres (61 square kilometers)! Ae is also about 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of the town of Dumfries.
Contents
Discovering Ae's Past
How Old is Ae Village?
The village of Ae is one of the newest villages in Britain. It was officially started in 1947. The Forestry Commission helped create it.
What Was Ae Like Before?
Before the village existed, the area was mostly open moor. In 1826, a writer named Robert Chambers wrote about it. He described a glen (a narrow valley) called Glenae. The people who lived there were known for their strength. They were also famous for their fighting skills.
Most men in the area were farmers. They also transported goods on horseback. They traveled between the area and big cities. These included Glasgow, Carlisle, and Manchester. The "lads of Ae" had a reputation. They were known for their skills in cudgel-playing and boxing. They often showed off at local fairs and weddings.
Exploring Ae's Surroundings
Where is Ae Located?
Ae village is nestled between two waterways. These are the Water of Ae and the Goukstane Burn. They flow out of the Forest of Ae. About 200 people live in the village. There are around 50 homes.
What Facilities Does Ae Have?
The village has a few useful places. There's a public house, which used to be the post office. There's also a school for local children. And a community hall is available for events.
What Kind of Forest is Ae Known For?
The forest around Ae is very special. Scientists have done experiments there. They successfully planted trees on former peat bogs. People once thought these bogs couldn't grow trees. Trees have also been planted very high up. Some are at 1,750 feet (533 meters)!
The forest is mostly made of Sitka spruce trees. But you can also find larch, Scots pine, and Norway spruce.
What Wildlife Can You See in Ae?
The forest is home to lots of amazing wildlife. You might spot deer and fox. There are also hare and weasel. Birds like woodpigeon, yellowhammer, and sparrowhawk live there. You might also see jay, pheasant, partridge, and even red squirrel.
Understanding Ae's Name
Why is Ae's Name So Short?
The name "Ae" is very short. Some people say it's the shortest place name in the United Kingdom. In 1787, the name was sometimes written as Æ. By 1826, it was written as Ae.
However, there are other short names in Scotland. The Scottish Gaelic name for the island of Iona is just Ì. There's also a river in the Scottish Highlands called the E.
What Does the Name "Ae" Mean?
The name "Ae" probably comes from an old language. It likely comes from the Old Norse word á. This word means 'water'. This makes sense, as the village is near several waterways.
Fun Activities in Ae
Mountain Biking Adventures
Close to the village is the local office for the Forestry Commission. They have done a great job creating a mountain biking center. This center offers many cycle trails. They have trails for all skill levels, from easy to difficult. For visitors, there's a small café. You can also find a bike shop there.
Accessible Walks for Everyone
There's a lovely walking trail along the Ae riverside. It's about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) long. This trail is circular and starts from the main car park. There's even disabled parking available. The path is wide and mostly flat. It's made of cinder and compacted gravel. There are very few small obstacles or slight slopes. This route is great for manual wheelchair users. Just follow the yellow post markers!
You can also park at an upper car park. This makes the walk shorter, less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). It also helps you avoid the first part of the trail where vehicles might be. If you have an "off-road" wheelchair and want more adventure, you can extend the yellow trail. Just follow the green mountain bike trail markers up to Dan's pool and back.
