Wildlife Paths

Discover Nature Trails in the 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 . 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 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 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

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 Wood Other paths available in Road (A803), opposite the by- Nature Park and along ½km pass from . The Canal towpath. 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 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 – (1/2 km) Henry’s Hill Route Car Park: YES Hallglen ½km From , 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 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. The with significant areas of Ancient are areas of coniferous and mixed wood path joins a wider track, with woodland. woodland, with Larch, Scots Pine Kemper Avenue visible through Path Information and Yew. Habitat and Species of the trees. Leaving the marked The path around the loch is interest path, turn left, and left again, easily accessible, surfaced, with a heading up to a grassy hill. This is few short, gentle inclines. Seasons of Interest: All year a wildflower meadow, flowering Paths in the woodland are Summer for Wildflower meadow during the summer. Continue surfaced, but rough and uneven Ancient woodland, particularly downhill, rejoin the marked path in places. There is a long semi-natural oakwood still and return to Callendar House moderate incline with some exist within the site. Under through the park. steeper sections. current management by The wildflower meadow planted Further information from Forestry Facilities Forestry Commission Scotland, on Henry’s Hill will help attract Commission Scotland 01555 Wheelchair accessible toilet, invasive Rhododendron is being butterflies such as the Red 660190. playpark, shops, museum, controlled to encourage native Admiral, Ringlet, Small copper, gallery, tearoom, boating pond regeneration. Species such as Orange tip and Peacock. and golf course are available in Wood sorrel, Wood anemone, the park. River Carron

No.4 Kinneil Foreshore

Tidal Island Shelduck and large numbers of To Bo’ness Knot, Redshank, Dunlin, Wigeon, Town Centre Teal, Mallard, and Great Crested Grebe feed on the mudflats in level, although unsurfaced (grass the area. Goldeneye and Pintail or earth) and uneven and muddy Access Information Forth Estuary Forth Level Crossing as well as Oystercatcher, Ringed in places. NOTE: The adjacent Bus: YES – Regular service Plover and Lapwing can also be island is tidal and is inaccessible Train: NO Level Crossing ay w seen. at high tide. il Cycle: YES – SUSTRANS Route 76 a R l very near by. i The best time to watch waders e A list of other species that can also n Kinneil Road A904 n i Car Park: YES Snab Lane be seen is available from Scottish feeding is just after high tide K

& Wildlife Trust in the leaflet ‘Bird when the mudflats are exposed.

s Distance s e Watching at Kinneil Hide’. The The estuary provides an important n ’ o ½km Suggested route - 3km (1¾ miles) B hide further along the shore at refuge for birds when food Kinneil provides a vantage point and shelter is scarce. Please be Easier option - 2½km (1½ miles) The Forth estuary is a very special for birdwatching. Contact 01324 careful not to disturb the birds, Other paths available place for wildlife, home in the 504863 for access information. particularly at high tide. winter months to high numbers Path Information of rare birds. With a short coastal Route Dog owners - Please don’t allow The route is easily accessible. your dog to chase birds and other route and great views of birds From the car park at Snab Lane, Access to the foreshore is via a feeding on the mudflats of the wildlife. level crossing and wide kissing follow the path downhill towards gates designed for wheelchair Forth Estuary, Kinneil Foreshore railway. Follow the path alongside attracts a diversity of species. access. The path has a mostly the railway for a short distance, gentle gradient with some Habitats and Species of then across the level crossing. moderately steep sections. Interest From here, a network of paths Benches are available at various runs throughout the woodland points along the routes. Seasons of Interest: All year, and foreshore area. The inner Facilities particularly Winter circular route through the woods The Forth Estuary is internationally (marked in black) is on reasonably Knot migrate from their breeding Toilets, shops, and other facilities are available in Bo’ness, as well important for breeding and wide surfaced paths, with some grounds on the Arctic tundra to overwinter on estuaries, where as attractions such as Bo’ness & overwintering birds. Large flocks gentle to moderate gradients and Kinneil Railway and Blackness they feed on shellfish and worms. of birds feed on crustaceans in the short wet or muddy sections after Castle. Kinneil and the Forth Estuary tidal mudflats. Kinneil foreshore rain. The outer route (yellow) is part of the of Forth Special support internationally important along the foreshore is mostly numbers of Knot. Protected Area. No.5 –River River Carron Carron

A9 Larbert Station Larbert Cross Carron has had a disastrous Church Weir R Access Information iv impact on the wildlife which e r Bus: YES – Regular Service C relies on the river. In recent times, a W r ro with water quality improvements Train: YES – Larbert (1/2km); h n in P (1 1/2km) a Viaduct Arches and a re-stocking programme, t h the salmon have returned during Cycle: On road Kissing Gate the spawning season to reach the Car Park: YES upper stretches, which is a great indicator of the recovering health Distance A9 ½km of the river environment. Suggested route - 1km (½ miles) Lochlands Loan NB: Fishing is available by permit Other paths available in A local salmon success story! local area only. Contact Paul Bissett on Leaping salmon probably conjure 01324 556966 for details. up images of streams Path Information for many, but salmon can once Route The path to the weir is surfaced, again be seen making their way and is reached through a kissing A short 300m path starts at gate. Benches are available at up the River Carron to spawn. Lochlands Loan, just off the A9, the weir, with steps leading A path leading uphill under the under the viaduct arches. The down to a closer vantage point. viaduct at Larbert provides a good Atlantic salmon are migratory path is through a kissing gate Care should be taken to stay well vantage point of the weir, where fish which spend their early lives immediately to the right as back from the rivers edge, for salmon can be seen leaping over in freshwater rivers. Migration of you turn onto Lochlands Loan. safety and to avoid disturbing the rocks in the autumn months. the young salmon out from the the salmon. river to the sea normally occurs Continue along this path for Habitats and Species of around May, when they are about 300m to reach a vantage point Facilities Interest two years old. They then spend above the weir, with views to the Available in nearby Larbert and most of their adult lives at sea river and church. Camelon. Seasons of Interest: Autumn where they grow very quickly in for salmon, especially after the rich feeding grounds of the heavy rain. North Atlantic. The adults then The River Carron is a salmon return to freshwater rivers to success story. In the past, heavy spawn, swimming up clean rivers industrial pollution in the River like the Carron in the autumn. No.6 The Pineapple

Field

River Carron Field

The Pineapple Redwood – some A905 around 150 years old, were brought to the estate as specimen trees. Other unusual Field Kincardine varieties, such as ½km Field Southern Beech, Limes and Sycamores Route Access Information Dating from around 1761, can also be found. From the car park, enter the walled Bus: NO The Pineapple is a fascinating Pipestrelle and Long-eared bats garden through the large gate. building, built as the centre piece can be found in the woodland Cross the grass uphill towards The Train: NO of the walled gardens for John areas, as well as Great spotted Pineapple. Exit the garden at the Cycle: On road – SUSTRANS Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore. As and Green Woodpeckers, and top of the hill, through the small routes nearby well as its historical interest, the Buzzards. Smaller birds, such gate in the garden wall, to the left Car Park: YES site is home to a variety of native as Blue tits, Great tits, tits, of The Pineapple. Follow the path Distance and exotic species. Long-tail tits and Marsh tits can downhill to your left, through also be found. woodland. The path meets a wider Suggested route - 2km (1½ miles) Habitats and Species of forest track at the bottom of the Other routes Interest hill. Turn left, following the sign. Path Info Seasons of Interest: All year Continue straight along this track, Wide, mainly unsurfaced path, The pond at the Pineapple is through woodland. Follow the rutted and muddy in places. particularly significant, because signposted track across the fields Some steps at rear of Pineapple. a population of Great Crested until you reach the vehicle track. Path is clear and well signposted. Turn left, heading back towards Newts have been found there Facilities – a species which is very rare in the car park, being aware of The Great Crested Newt is only the UK. A variety of dragonflies vehicles. Just before the car park, Local shops and other facilities found at a few sites in the are available nearby in Airth. are also thought to breed on the Falkirk area - one of these is the a narrow path leads down to the ponds and the dipping platform, There are no toilets at the pond. Pineapple. It is the rarest and Pineapple itself. where Great Crested Newts are Exotic trees such as Monkey most protected species of newt in Scotland. thought to breed. Return to the Puzzle, Douglas Fir and Giant car park. Falkirk Area Map

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River Carron

5 1 4

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3

Map Key Thank you Route locations To all organisations, landowners Main roads and local communities for their co- operation and support. Train Lines Population centres Further information Falkirk Council Area This booklet has been produced by Falkirk Council. Getting there Other booklets By foot If you live nearby available Include: Green Travel Map By Rail Nearest train stations are at Larbert, Birdwatching at Kinneil Hide Falkirk Grahamston, Falkirk High. Guide to walks in Callendar Woods By bike Please contact Falkirk Council’s Cycle route info from Biodiversity Officer, Development www.sustrans.org.uk, 0845 1130065 Services, 01324 504863. By bus Bus info 01324 504724 By car See location maps

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