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Wildlife Paths Discover Nature Trails in the Falkirk Council Area easy to use map and 6 suggested locations something for everyone Discover Nature Trails in the Falkirk Council area “Leave only footprints; Take only photographs” Enjoy nature in the Falkirk area route). There are also great may not be as accessible as tarmac and discover some hidden wildlife examples of old woodland and paths in towns. gems. A variety of interests are parkland estates (see Pineapple covered, from the Forth Estuary and Callendar Wood routes). Which site should I visit? Simply read through the following to woodlands and rivers. Other habitats of interest include suggested routes and choose one the rivers, canals and places which suits your own interests, recently improved for wildlife, needs and abilities. such as Bonnyfield Nature Park and Abbotshaugh Community Some sites have options for further Finding Your Way Woodland. exploration, such as Bonnyfield Finding Your Way and Abbotshaugh. There are a variety of routes A Map included here to suit different Callendar Wood offers the best Take a close look at the map for facilities for visitors. Other sites Access to Nature interests and abilities. Some are each site. These should be all The natural environment of Falkirk on surfaced paths, however, such as The Pineapple offer only you need to find the site and get is very varied and has some special parts of the route may be car parking facilities. around. OS Explorer map 349 wildlife and habitats. In winter, unsurfaced, inclined or otherwise Due to the sensitivity of covers most of the area. the shoreline of the Forth Estuary less accessible, so please do read some wildlife and habitats to Signs in Falkirk is home to very large the route descriptions carefully. disturbance please: Look out for sign posts and numbers of birds, some of which Also, please remember that paths through parks and countryside • Keep to the path interpretation boards giving are rare (see Kinneil foreshore more information as you go • Do not allow dogs to disturb along the path. Falkirk Nature Facts Carron Glen are nature hotspots wildlife with a variety of rare plants. It’s Up To You The Falkirk area contains large • Clean up after your dog This leaflet gives details of six areas of natural habitats and many To help protect local wildlife, the • Take litter home with you locations, with information on places of wildlife interest. Some Falkirk Biodiversity Action Plan was green transport options, path very rare species are found here, published in 2001. ‘Biodiversity’ • Remember that it is usually surfaces, gradients, parking such as Great Crested Newts (see simply means the variety of illegal to pick wild flowers or and facilities. A description of Pineapple route) and Bean Geese life, and refers to the wildlife plants. the wildlife you are likely to on the Slammanan Plateau, the all around us. If you enjoy the encounter is also given. Simply only place in Scotland these birds wildlife you see on your chosen choose a route to visit depending are found. The Forth Estuary is route, and would like further on your interest and your own home to large numbers of over- information, please contact the abilities. wintering birds, and places like Local Biodiversity Officer on 01324 504863. No.1 Abbotshaugh Community Woodland River Carron Saltmarsh R iv Carron er Ca rron Cobblebrae Langlees the end of David’s Loan, follow Community Health Woodland Walk this signposted route through Wide areas of recently planted and Kissing more mature woodland, where Gate buzzards can often be seen B102 Langlees perched on fence posts. Roe deer Access Information Bainsford breed in the woodland and can Bus: YES – Regular service be seen crossing the path. Train: Falkirk Grahamston Stn ½km David’s Loan The saltmarsh is protected as - 2km Steeped in history, the site recently planted and will be a Site of Interest for Nature Cycle: The Forth & Clyde Canal of Abbotshaugh Community managed to create a naturally Conservation and can be seen to link is due for upgrade Woodland, on the south bank regenerating, mature woodland the side of the path in a meander Car: No designated parking of the River Carron, has seen for the future. of the River Carron. The path Distance follows the banks of the Carron many changes in the surrounding Saltmarsh – a rare habitat type for a short distance, then splits. Suggested route - 4km (2½ miles) landscape over the last 500 frequently inundated with tidal Either return to David’s Loan, or Other routes available (see map) years. From historic sea ports to sea water and containing plants continue along the riverside path agricultural land, the area is now a such as sea aster. Path Information linking to Cobblebrae Community mosaic of planted woodland with The yellow route is easily The River Carron flows into the Woodland. remnant hedgerows, grassland accessible and surfaced, and Forth Estuary near here. Plants and saltmarsh habitats. A booklet mainly level with gentle describing the story of the area and animals living in this area are gradients. Some other routes are is being produced in 2006. For specially adapted to the changing unsurfaced, with rough, muddy copies ring (01324) 504863. mix of saltwater and freshwater. or uneven sections. Otters can be seen on the river and Habitats and Species of occasional seals can be spotted Facilities Interest coming in from the Forth. Toilets, refreshments and other facilities are available at the In recent years as improvements Season of Interest: All Year Dawson Centre, David’s Loan Route have been made to the woodland Woodland/scrub - Provides a home (01324 501470) and in nearby The Langlees Health Walk areas, breeding populations of roe Carron and Bainsford. for Roe deer, foxes, buzzards, provides an easily accessible deer and buzzards have increased, kestrels, teasels and other plants. circular route through the which is a good indicator of Much of this woodland has been Community Woodland. From general environmental quality. River Carron No.2 Bonnyfield Nature Park A803 Bonnybridge r e Nature t al ponds and seasonal wetlands. a an Park W C Access Information y de onn ly Grassland – There are areas of B C Bus: YES – Regular service & h species-rich grassland throughout rt Fo the park and locally rare plants Train: NO such as Harebell and Ox-eye Cycle: YES – Forth & Clyde Canal daisy. Parking: YES (see map) Route Distance The yellow route can be accessed Suggested route - 4km (2½ miles) Seabegs from the Bonnybridge to Kilsyth Wood Other paths available in Road (A803), opposite the by- Nature Park and along ½km pass from Dennyloanhead. The Canal towpath. Antonine Wall wide tarmac path follows the Once the site of a sand and Path Information Habitats and Species of western edge of the Nature Park gravel quarry, Bonnyfield Nature Interest crossing the Bonny Water via a Suggested route is gently Park, near Bonnybridge, has sloping, mainly on tarmac. An narrow bridge. A steep, rough transformed into a valuable site Seasons of Interest informal network of unsurfaced path leads uphill, giving access to for biodiversity. A mosaic of Spring/summer – wildflowers, paths (due for upgrade) leads off the Forth & Clyde towpath. The habitat types, including deciduous insects and bats. from this route. The bridge over towpath overlooks the Nature woodland, woody shrubs, species Autumn - deciduous tree colour. the Bonny Water is very narrow, Park and provides a return route but due for replacement. Path is rich grassland, seasonal and All year – birds and mammals. to Bonnybridge. Alternatively, steep and very uneven between permanent ponds and running Woodland/scrub – Much of the the path to the right (west) leads bridge and canal. Underpass to water, the site supports a wide woodland and scrub habitat has to an underpass, offering an Seabegs Wood is too narrow variety of species. regenerated naturally. This is extension to Seabegs Wood and for wheelchairs and can be wet. Remember a torch! Woodlands and scrub provide a good for wildlife as it provides a the Antonine Wall. The underpass rich habitat especially for birds range of ages of plants, cover and is too narrow for wheelchairs and Facilities and insects. Birds tend to be at protection. can be wet. Remember a torch! the top of the ‘food chain’ in the Shops, services and wheelchair wild, so a good mixed population Water, Wetlands & ponds – The accessible Superloo in nearby of birds can be a general indicator Bonny Water flows through the Bonnybridge. No facilities on of the biodiversity in an area. site and there are some permanent site. River Carron No.3 Callendar Park & Wood Town Centre Parkfoot A variety of wildlife, including Callendar Green and Great spotted Access Information Falkirk High Kemper Avenue House Loch woodpeckers, Kestrels, Jays Bus: YES – Bus station (½ km) Station Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Foxes, Local bus to park also. and Roe deer can also be found Train: YES – Falkirk High Station Mausoleum Wild Flower in the woodland. (1/2 km) Meadow Cycle: YES – Union canal (1/2 km) Henry’s Hill Route Car Park: YES Hallglen ½km From Callendar House, follow the path to the end of the loch, then Distance through the gate onto a forest 2 Callendar Wood has an amazing Lesser celandine, Primroses, Loch route - 1km ( /3 miles) track. Turn immediately right, variety of wildlife and is close to Bluebells, Dog violet and ferns Woodland route 5km (3 miles) following the yellow marker posts Falkirk town centre. Callendar such as Lemon-scented fern can past the Mausoleum through the Other paths available Wood is over 500 years old, be found in the woodland. There throughout the park and woodland for approx. 1 mile.

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