These are in fact caterpillar nests, constructed by the pine processionary caterpillar (chenille processionnaire) larva, who live in large ‘tents’ and march out at night in single file (hence the name) to feed on the pine needles.

Pull up a basket, snuggle down into your cushion, grab a box of tissues – and read the heart warming/heart breaking story of the retired English teacher and his psychologist wife who have opened up the doors of their Dordogne home to thirty old, sick or disabled dogs.