TWO rare species of wildlife have been recorded for the first time at Pressmennan Wood, near Stenton, by the Woodland Trust.

The comma butterfly and nuthatch bird were recorded by site manager Gary Bolton on a recent visit to the wood.

Both species are uncommon in Scotland and have in recent years been extending their breeding ranges in the south, with sporadic sightings further north.

Mr Bolton said: “Both species are gradually spreading north through Scotland and it’s pleasing to discover they are making a home here.

“These kinds of sightings help to demonstrate that our management is providing the right kind of habitat for a wide range of wildlife.” The butterflies, which are orange and brown with distinctive scalloped wings and a white comma-shaped mark on their undersides, became locally extinct in Scotland in the 1870s but since 2001 they have been gradually making their way to the south of the country.

Meanwhile, the nuthatch is a small bird resembling a woodpecker.

It is a recent arrival to Scotland and although established in southern Scotland it is still a relatively rare sighting.

The Woodland Trust Scotland acquired Pressmennan Wood in 1988.

Formerly an extensive oak wood, it was planted with conifer trees in the middle of the 20th century.

The charity is working to gradually restore it to more natural woodland with a diverse range of native species.

The wood supports wildlife including otters, bats and woodpeckers. It is also well known as the home of the Glingbobs and Tootflits – ‘magical’ woodland creatures who reside in houses sculpted into trees.

Pictured above right is the comma butterfly spotted at Pressmennan Wood, and pictured right is a nuthatch similar to the one seen there.