Keith Broomfield’s Nature Notes to Walk 9

MAMMALS

Otter
There is every chance of spotting an otter at Gartmorn Dam. Dawn and dusk are the best times. Often seen in pairs or as a threesome, which will be a mother with her fully grown cubs.

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

Brown Hare
Brown hares occur in small numbers in the surrounding fields. In spring, it may be possible to see courting hares (the so-called ‘Mad March hares’) where several may gather with much chasing and ‘boxing’.

Badger
Badgers occur in the surrounding woodlands, 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 foxes and frequently found by the edge of forest tracks.

Stoat
Very quick moving animals that appear to have declined in recent years. If you see a stoat disappearing into a hole or a crevice in a wall, stop and wait awhile, because they are very curious animals and will often emerge to have a look at who they ran away from!

Bats
Common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats occur throughout the area and most often seen at dusk. Daubenton’s bats may also occur by Gartmorn Dam

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.

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 woodland and by path 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.

Dog Violet
Look out for the purple blooms of dog violet on hedge-banks and woodland clearings. The flowers are small and easy to miss.

Ramson
The ramson or wild garlic grows in profusion in places, the white flowers appearing from early April onwards. The plant prospers in shaded areas.

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.

Water Bistort
Look out for the pink flowerheads of water bistort growing in the shallow margins of some parts of Gartmorn Dam. Flowers from June until September.