There is something very satisfying about identifying things. From the song on the radio to that bird chirping in next doors garden. I can name most things that turn up at the Falls of Clyde but put me on a mountain and I struggle, it’s not my ‘natural habitat’.

The Falls of Clyde has been abundant with new sightings over the past week. We had our first badger watch of the year and we spotted three (on our second we saw five)! It was lovely to watch them snuffling about, grooming and one even started to dig a hole for a while. It was funny seeing him getting all covered in dirt, to then watch him shake it all off again. If you want to watch some badgers; we have watches from May through to August, Thursdays and Saturdays.

To top off my sightings of the week; yesterday I saw my first pair of butterflies. I think they were small whites but they were quite far away and I had my binoculars in my bag. By the time I had rummaged them out, the butterflies were gone. Lesson learned – always have your binoculars around your neck! I am sure I will see them again soon, at the moment if you see a small white looking butterfly it will either be a small white or a green-veined white.

If you are eager to improve your wildflower ID skills then come and visit over the May bank holiday weekend. We are launching our new and improved wildflower trail along the boardwalk. One new wildflower I have recently learnt about is the moschatel (pictured) also known as townhall clock or five-faced bishop. This is because it has four flowers facing out like a clock (imagine Big Ben) with another flowering on top pointing skyward.

Laura Preston – Scottish Wildlife Trust, Falls of Clyde Ranger