During early 2005, strong winds caused much damage to trees in the Inverlael Forest, almost completely blocking the route described.[citation needed]
Beinn Dearg is designated as a Special Protection Area. The area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including woodland, mire, open water, dwarf-shrub heath, and cliffs. Most significantly, the summit areas support specialist mountain birds such as breeding dotterelCharadrius morinellus and golden eagleAquila chrysaetos.[citation needed]