One of our most special areas for wildlife in Clackmannanshire is the inner Forth estuary.

It is often overlooked in favour of our hills and woods, but visit anywhere along this fine ribbon of water from Kennetpans to Manor Powis and you are bound to spot plenty of wildlife.

It is an eclectic landscape, a place where the steep scarp of the Ochils is omnipresent providing stark contrast to the salt marshes, lagoons and mudflats.

The hand of man is all around from industries past and present, yet wildlife thrives here and the area supports internationally important numbers of wintering and migratory waterfowl.

One of the star attractions are the grey seals that are often seen, no doubt attracted by migrating salmon and sea trout, as well as flounders that abound on the soft muddy bottom of the estuary.

A good place to see seals is off the mouth of the River Devon near Cambus.

Goosanders are frequent on this bit of the river and look out too for goldeneyes, wigeon and teal.

Another place worth visiting is the Blackdevon wetlands, which lie close to Alloa and Clackmannan.

All kinds of ducks and waders can turn up here, especially in autumn and winter.

Out in the middle of the river lie two islands – Tullibody Inch and Alloa Inch – which have large reedbeds that are home to breeding shelduck and a roosting place for many hundreds of pink-footed geese.