It was extremely muddy in the woods as the snow was melting but there was still much evidence of woodland creatures having passed through.  Bird and deer footprints were common including rabbits, mice and some squirrels. At the foot of this old oak there were several roe deer prints and a squirrel seemed to have climbed along the tree trunk but unfortunately its prints haven’t shown in the photo. The little green tag indicates that it is recorded and is one of the very old protected oaks.   (Extra) The North Esk and South Esk rivers meet here to form the Esk which continues to the sea four miles away.  Comparisons of the same scene can be seen in summer and late autumn.