I suppose unicorns are quite common?
‘Well, yes’ agreed the botanist. ‘Especially’, she added, ‘if the quality of the woods is improving’.
Scottish Rights of Way must include Access for Unicorns: the signs instruct us to head up the path to Ashiestiel.
Up, towards the Southern Upland Way. Woodlands around us are in reasonable condition – see the bryophytes? At the edge of the birch wood, a third sign:
The plant that is called Yarrow is still in flower in early autumn, and common in upland meadows. The Yarrow Pug is a southern insect, but the Northern Eggar should frequent a good upland meadow. Hares? Yes, should be plenty. Lapwing? well only a very small number nesting on the hill last year – they need undisturbed wetlands.
We enjoyed our rights of way, with the prospect of a unicorn – released from its chains – leaping a closed gate.
For any enquires about Unicorn sightings in the Yarrow Valley go to Fully Wooly
Any scientific inaccuracy is my responsibility.
drawing in the field 