Sweet scented poo confirms presence of pine martens at Glen Devon Woodlands
Droppings with the tell-tale scent of Parma violets have confirmed the presence of pine martens within a large new native woodland.
One and a half million trees including oak, birch, juniper and Scots pine were planted between 2001 and 2010 to create the Glen Devon Woodlands. This large scale project stretches over three areas of the Ochils, Geordie’s Wood, Glen Sherup and Glen Quey.
Site Manager Gary Bolton said: “Pine marten scat often has a very distinctive smell similar to Parma violets, and tends to be found in prominent places such as on top of large rocks or logs. Finding likely droppings has become becomes a regular occurrence at Glen Devon recently, and we’ve now had samples tested and confirmed by a specialist.
“The presence of pine martens is further evidence that wildlife is flourishing as a result of the new mosaic of habitats that we’ve created. It’s a satisfying result in a relatively short space of time and as the woodland develops further I'd expect to see even more species of benefiting.”
A range of other species have benefitted from the increase in woodland habitat. Black grouse have risen in number and established new lekking sites, and breeding long eared owls have been recorded this summer in Geordie’s Wood, close to Muckhart.
The elusive pine marten needs a large amount of woodland within its territory. Numbers of the species have risen steadily in Scotland since the mid-20th century due to afforestation and legal protection.
