Friends of the Ochils Newsletter 20: Spring 2002Forth Naturalist and HistorianI have, I think, every issue of the FNH. The latest, Volume 24, is a typical mix of natural history and human history. There's something for everyone interested in the Forth Valley (if there can be a Strathtay, why is the Forth a valley?). The down-side is that one needs to be a real polymath to find everything of interest. For example, the record of the weather interests me, lists of birds do not; the Stirlings of Keir in the 18th century was a fascinating glimpse of an unknown corner of history, the biography of a twentieth-century translator and intellectual was comprehensive and well written but not a topic that inspired me. There is usually at least one item of relevance to the Ochils. In this volume there are short articles on landscape change as revealed by pollen analyses in Menstrie Glen and the management of Hermitage Wood, and several book reviews touch on the Ochils. At only £6 (+£1 p&p, address below), the FNH is a bargain. FNH is not only a journal but also an enterprise. Amongst its publications is The Ochil Hills: Landscape, Wildlife, Heritage, Walks which is now offered at a reduced price of £2.50 (+80p p&p). Copies of these publications and a list of other publications is available from L Corbett, 30 Dunmar Drive, Alloa FK10 2EH. David Gordon |