Plean Country Park
The Country Park on the edge of Plean has an excellent network of footpaths.
The beautiful estate woodlands, Scrub, wildflower meadows and ponds provide homes to many different birds and animals, listen for the hysterical laughing call of the green woodpecker, or the grating shriek of a jay. If you hear a chaotic crashing sound high above your head, look up- grey squirrels can often be seen chasing each other through the treetops.
In early July the wildflower meadows are dotted with the spikes of thousands of Greater Butterfly Orchids. Their beautiful flowers resemble small white butterflies clinging on to the plant's stem.
On a quiet summer evening you may be fortunate enough to glimpse the shy roe deer as they venture out of the woods to graze in the fields. Not so long ago, the bings were barren and lifeless- two grey hills of coal waste.
Nature has taken over the bings since the last pit closed in Plean Village in 1963.
William Simpson, a wealthy East India Trader, built the striking ruin of Plean House, a classical country mansion, in the late 18th century. It was last occupied as recently as 1970, but was badly damaged by fire.
There are three marked trails of different lengths starting from the car park, an orienteering course, horse trail, toilets and picnic areas.
Today, nature is fighting back! Young birch, oak and Scot's Pine trees are turning the landscape from grey to green, providing food and shelter for countless small birds. In many areas vast numbers of spotted orchids produce vivid splashes of pink and purple from late spring onwards.
