Keith Broomfield’s Nature Notes to Walk 2

MAMMALS

Red Squirrel
Look out for red squirrels in the high branches of trees in Dollar Glen. They are active all year round and often have prominent ear tufts in winter. This part of Dollar is on the front line where competitor grey squirrels also occur, and they too may occasionally be seen.

Badger
Badgers occur in the woodlands on this walk, although they are nocturnal and seldom seen. Look out for signs where they may have been digging for earthworms (their favourite food). They also dig latrines, leaving behind shallow depressions in the soil.

Fox
Although widespread, foxes are not often seen, although their distinctive, pointed and twisted droppings are often encountered by track edges.

Pine Marten
Pine martens are increasing in Clackmannanshire, but are elusive and seldom encountered. It is thought they may benefit red squirrel populations by predating upon competitor grey squirrels. Their droppings are similar to those of foxes and may be found by the edge of track on Hillfoot Hill.

Roe Deer
Found throughout the area, and especially active at dawn and dusk. Often solitary, but also frequently seen in family units, and in winter, in larger groups. Sometimes makes a loud, dog-like bark.

Bats
As well as common and soprano pipistrelle bats, brown long-eared bats occur in Dollar Glen. This species has a slow, fluttering flight, usually very close to foliage.

BUTTERFLIES

Peacock
A colourful butterfly that is often encountered from the end of March right through until early October by the track edges of the Hillfoot Hill circular. Look out for them in the few places where Buddleia grows.

Small Tortoiseshell
The small tortoiseshell has declined in abundance in recent times. They hibernate as adults and emerge in spring. There is a lull in June and July and a subsequent increase in numbers in August and September.

Red Admiral
Red admirals have increased in abundance in recent years. Can be found from spring until early autumn in sunny areas.

Painted Lady
Painted ladies are migrant butterflies and can be reasonably abundant in some years and completely absent in others. The track on Hillfoot Hill is a good place to spot these beautiful butterflies.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
A scarce butterfly that is on the wing from early June to mid-July. Look out for them in the open areas of hill near Castle Campbell. From early July onwards, the larger, but very similar looking Dark Green Fritillary may be glimpsed.

WILDFLOWERS

Lesser Celandine
One of our earliest emerging wildflowers, appearing from mid-March onwards and featuring striking yellow blooms. The flowers close if it is cold and wet. Found in Dollar Glen.

Wood Anemone
Usually prefers partially shaded wooded areas and its presence is often a sign that the woodland where it grows is ancient. In flower in Dollar Glen from early April until mid-May.

Wood Sorrel
A delightful little flower often found growing on moss covered tree stumps and fallen branches in Dollar Glen.

Ramson
The ramson or wild garlic grow in profusion in parts of Dollar Glen, the white flowers appearing from early April onwards. The plant prospers in shaded areas.

Toothwort
A scarce plant in Scotland and a speciality of Dollar Glen. The plant does not have chlorophyll or photosynthesise like most other plants, instead gaining nutrients by tapping its roots into the roots of trees like hazel and elm.

Tormentil
A small yellow flowering plant that grows by the edges of the Hillfoot Hill circular track.

Birds-foot Trefoil
A member of the pea family, the sprawling yellow flowers can be seen by the track edges of Hillfoot Hill. Its flowers are a good nectar source for bees.

Wild Thyme
On the descent of the Hillfoot Hill circular, purple drifts of Wild Thyme grow in cracks on small rock faces by the track edge.

Pirri-pirri Burr
An unwelcome non-native invasive species that has begun appearing on the track edges of Hillfoot Hill in recent years. The round, Velcro-like barbed seed heads stick to the paws of dogs and can be tricky to remove.