Keith Broomfield’s Nature Notes to Walk 3

MAMMALS

Red Squirrel
Look out for red squirrels in the high branches of trees around Vicar’s Bridge and in the woodland along the River Devon towards the holiday lodge park. They are active all year round and often have prominent ear tufts in winter.

Beaver
These marvellous river engineers have colonised the River Devon in recent years and their signs along this stretch of the river in the form of gnawed and felled trees is obvious. Research has shown their presence in a river enhances biodiversity. Dawn and dusk are best times to observe these animals.

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
There are several fox dens between Vicar’s Bridge and the holiday lodge park. Although widespread, foxes are not often seen, although their distinctive, pointed and twisted droppings are often encountered by track and path 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 path edges at Vicar’s Bridge and along the River Devon.

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.

Daubenton’s Bat
The Daubenton’s, or water bat as it is sometimes known, is very much tied to water and can be glimpsed hawking for insects at dusk along the River Devon. Common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bat also occur.

BUTTERFLIES

Speckled Wood
A new arrival to Clackmannanshire in recent years, speckled woods are widespread and often seen in woodland clearings and other sun dappled places. On the wing from April to early October.

Comma
The comma has distinctive scalloped wings and appears orange when in flight. Reasonably frequent, with peak numbers in spring and late summer.

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

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.

Peacock
A colourful butterfly that is often encountered from the end of March right through until early October by sunny hedge-banks and track edges.

Orange-tip
The males are distinctive with the orange tips to their wings, which the females lack. On the wing from late April until June.

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 early spring along and River Devon and bank edges.

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 from early April until mid-May.

Wood Sorrel
A delightful little flower often found growing on moss covered tree stumps and fallen branches in the woodland by the holiday lodge park.

Ramson
The ramson, or wild garlic, grows in profusion along parts of the River Devon, the white flowers appearing from early April onwards. The plant prospers in shaded areas.

Water Forget-me-not
These stunning plants have small azure flowers. Grows on the banksides of the River Devon and likes exposed shingle banks.

Red Campion
One of our longest flowering plants, red campion can be found in bloom for mid-April through to September. A plant of woodland edges, banks and other areas with dappled sun.

Dog Violet
Look out for the purple blooms of dog violet on hedge-banks and woodland clearings, especially around Vicar’s Bridge The flowers are small and easy to miss.