Above is a modern standing stone in Culbin Forest. Although pine martens are listed among the wildlife living in this large forest, it’s not where I saw the creature.
The Pine Marten
The pine marten was spotted several days before I visited the forest, in my own garden. It has appeared a few times over the years, and I’d named it ‘Chris Pine’, a fact my husband had forgotten when I texted him this:
They’re quite large animals, about the size of a domestic cat. I found a stock image so you can see what Chris Pine looks like:
So, wondering if I’d see more of his kind (I didn’t), I walked into Culbin.
It was a nice surprise to find a standing stone, albeit a contemporary one. The words on the stone reference the fact that the trees of Culbin are growing on sand dunes.
The forest floor is indeed made soft with the sand and a deep layer of pine needles.
Be careful the trees don’t trip you!
There’s something about the light in mature Scots Pine forests. It’s quite unique and beautiful, and I love it.
There’s more information on Culbin Forest on the Forestry and Land Scotland site here.
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Lovely, as usual.
Thank you 🙂
Beautiful!
It is a lovely place.
The pine-marten looks good, Ailish and the forest looks wonderful. The trees’ roots are reaching out for good soil.
Yes, it’s amazing that they’ve grown so tall there.
What a fun story, and a handsome visitor (even if not human).
He is rather handsome 🙂
Ah! When you spot a Chris Pine at the edge of the forest, it’s a call to go deeper Into The Woods (with a slew of songs in your heart!).
Could be!
Ha, Chris Pine, wonderful!
🙂
When I saw the picture, I thought Fisher Cat, but apparently they are different animals, though related. I saw a Fisher once in my yard. They are vicious and quite dangerous, but Pine Martens are less aggressive.
Yes, I don’t think the martens are aggressive. One once came up to house and looked in the window.