Keith Broomfield’s Nature Notes to Walk 10

MAMMALS

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.

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!

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.

Ringlet
A common butterfly in the community woodland and is found open, sunny areas. The flight period is from mid-June to mid-August.

Meadow Brown
May be encountered in sunny open areas. On the wing from June until the end of August.

WILDFLOWERS

Harebell
The sky-blue nodding flowerheads of harebell appear from August onwards next to the sheep pasture by the community woodland.

Mountain Pansy
A few occur by the edge of the path that leads to the top of Law Hill.

Tormentil
A small yellow flowering plant that grows by the edges of the grazing pasture by the community woodland.