Keith Broomfield’s Nature Notes to Walk 4

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 Dollar Glen, 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 in prominent places, such as on top of rocks or trees stumps.

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

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. The scarce Purple Hairstreak butterfly also occurs in Dollar Glen, but is hard to see, because it lives high in the oak canopy.

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 grows 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.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage
Occurs in profusion in the shadier parts of Dollar Glen in subtle shades of lime and yellow. The flowers of opposite-leaved golden saxifrage have no petals, the shape and colour instead coming from the four miniscule sepals (the outer protective bud part of a flower).

Bluebell
Dollar Glen is a classic bluebell wood and their vibrant colour to the steep slopes from late April until early June.