Bonnyfield, Bonnybridge
Situated on the former Bonnyfield sand and gravel quarry, this meadow offers a natural habitat to a wide range of wildlife. Although not packed with rare flowers, it’s their diversity and abundance that makes this site special. As well as common spotted-orchid, look out for field scabious, common bird’s-foot-trefoil, yellow rattle, common knapweed, kidney vetch and red clover. The beautiful six-spot burnet moth can be found here, out flying during the day (see 'Species to spot' below), along with small heath butterfly, wolf spider and dock leaf beetle. If you’re lucky, roe deer might also put in an appearance.
A bus service to and from Bonnyfield is available from Falkirk and surrounding areas.
Species to spot
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Six-spot burnet moth
Best time to see: June - Aug
Unlike many moths, the burnet moth flies during the day. Its caterpillars feed on Bird's-foot Trefoil whilst the adults feed on the nectar of knapweed, thistles and other grassland flowers. Image © Bob Coyle
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Common knapweed
Best time to see: June - Sept
A thistle-like plant also known as 'black knapweed', although its flowers are actually bright pink. It is a popular source of nectar for the Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Peacock, Painted Lady and many other butterflies.
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Roe deer
Best time to see: All year
Our most common native deer. Males have relatively short antlers, typically with six points. Image © Bob Coyle.
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More information on the RBST website