Strathdevon facts for kids
Strathdevon is a special valley in Clackmannanshire, Scotland. It's named after the River Devon that flows through it. For a long time, until 1971, Strathdevon was the very southern part of Perthshire.
This valley stretches from east to west. It starts near Yetts o' Muckhart and the Glen Devon area. Then it goes westwards, following the Ochil Hills. Many towns and villages are found in Strathdevon. These include Muckhart, Dollar, Tillicoultry, Alva, and Menstrie. They are all located along the A91 road. You can also find Rumbling Bridge here.
Geography of Strathdevon
The Strathdevon area is surrounded by the Ochil Hills. You can see most of the valley from the top of these hills. Two main rivers flow through this region: the River Devon and the Black Devon. The Black Devon flows past Clackmannan and joins the River Forth near Alloa.
The Ochil Hills are very important. They provide the water that a company called Highland Spring sells around the world. People have also mined these hills for valuable minerals. They found gold and silver, and also cobalt, tin, copper, and iron.
Wildlife in the Rivers
Strathdevon is carefully managed by local groups and landowners. They have special programs to look after the countryside. If you are lucky, you might spot European otters! They can be seen in the early mornings or late evenings during winter. Look for them around the Tillicoultry parts of the River Devon.
Amazing fish like Salmon and sea trout travel long distances to reach these rivers. They come all the way from Greenland and the Arctic areas a few times each year. To help them swim upstream, there are special "fish steps" or salmon ladders. You can find these at Cambus and Dollar.
The River Devon Angling Association was started in 1905. This group helps manage over 15 miles of the river. They make sure the fish and their habitats are protected. Many salmon rivers in Scotland are looked after by larger organizations. These include the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) and the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS).
