Friends of the Ochils Newsletter 18: Spring 2001A good read, naturallyWe should point out to members of the Friends that The Ochil Hills, first published in 1994 by the Forth Naturalist and Historian (FNH) and the Clackmannanshire Field Studies Society, is still available. It's amazing value: now only £2.50, £1 less than the original price. The booklet gives some basic information on the range of naturalist and historical characteristics of the hills, and should be an essential part of all Friends' libraries. Dealt with in this fact-packed introduction-cum-guide are safety and behaviour in the hills, minerals and rocks, climate and weather, mammals and fish, birds, insects and flora, along with people, names, battles, fortifications and castles. FNH, an informative enterprise of Stirling University, was set up in 1975 by several staff members of both the university and the former Central Regional Council. It provides a focus for interests, activities and publications on the environment, heritage and history of the Forth area (comprising the local authority areas of Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire). Since 1975, FNH has published numerous papers, many authoritative and significant in their field, including annual reports of the weather, birds in the locality, book reviews and notes. The latest edition of FNH, volume 23, was published last November. FNH has also reprinted a booklet, Mines and Minerals of the Ochils, originally produced by Clackmannanshire Field Studies Society. Other publications still in print include Airthrey and Bridge of Allan - a guided walk, and Woollen Mills of the Hillfoots, both landmark historical records for those with a claim to an interest in their heritage. Of particular interest in FNH23 is a detailed report by Cathy Tilbrook of the work of a special committee established by the Friends to look at forestry and woodland issues and which constitutes part of a project to put native woodlands back into the Ochils landscape. FNH and associated publications are available from the University of Stirling bookshop, or from the honorary secretary: Lindsay Corbett, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA and 30 Dunmar Drive, Alloa, 01259 215091. David RobertsonLate news: Just published is 'Well Shelterd & Watered' - Menstrie Glen, a farming landscape near Stirling (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, ISBN 1 902419 25 1, £5). This archaeological and historical study of one of the main Ochil glens provides a fascinating insight to changes which took place over a period of five centuries or so. The 72-page study charts the area's development from its occupation by medieval sheep farmers (this was a more densely settled and farmed landscape in the early 18th century) to today's "very empty place, unpopulated but for the sheep, and frequented only by shepherds and hillwalkers". No friend of the Ochils should be without this fine booklet, worth much more than its cover price. We hope to provide a full review in the next newsletter. |