SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Crested tit

Confined to Scotland’s Caledonian pine forests and Scots pine plantations, there can be no mistaking this specialised coniferphile. No larger than a blue tit, the crested tit’s speckled forehead and upstanding crest make identification simple at close quarters.

Goshawk

Resembling a huge sparrowhawk, and almost the size of a buzzard, this stocky raptor’s short, rounded wings are the perfect design for pursuing prey through the trees. Although shy and elusive for much of the year, late February sees established pairs begin to ‘sky dance’ above their forest territories.

Common crossbill

Crossed bill tips will immediately identify this chunky-looking finch ( below). Males tend to be brick-red and females are a grey-green hue. Common crossbills can be found in plantations across the UK, while the almost indistinguishable Scottish crossbill is confined to the Caledonian pine forests.

Red squirrel

Prior to the introduction of its grey cousin, the red squirrel was widespread across Britain. However, direct competition has seen this iconic gingery mammal now only numerous in Scotland’s pine forests. Elsewhere, it only survives on forested islands, in the large conifer stands of Northumberland and Cumbria, or in Formby’s coastal pinewoods.

Pine marten

A secretive and scarce mammal, it has a lithe body, bushy tail and creamy-yellow throat patch. Although equally happy in any type of forested terrain, pine marten numbers are highest in their Scottish strongholds. Elsewhere, forests in North Wales and northern England hold small populations.