RSPB Lochwinnoch - one of Scotland’s most popular nature reserves - is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
It was acquired by the conservation charity in December 1973 and has since welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to its woods, wetlands and visitor centre.
The site has a storied history and was historically used for agriculture and mining. Since the mid-20th century however, changing land use led to the creation of lochs and wetlands hosting large numbers of birds and other wildlife.
It is now home to some of Scotland’s rarest and most spectacular species, including great-crested grebes and migrant hawker dragonflies in the summer, whooper swans in winter and otters all year round.
Dave Beaumont, RSPB Scotland’s operations director for the south pf Scotland, said: “Over the last 50 years Lochwinnoch has been transformed into a wonderful place for visitors to come and explore and get close to wildlife.
"There have been many trips from local schools where young people have enjoyed seeing the birds, catching minibeasts in the pond or playing in the woodland.
"For many, this experience in nature will have stayed with them and hopefully sparked a lifelong environmental consciousness and awareness.”
The nature reserve is one of RSPB Scotland’s flagship visitor destinations.
A series of accessible paths and viewing hides allow for close up views of the wildlife, while the visitor centre provides an overview of the whole site, complete with telescopes, family activities and expertise from RSPB Scotland staff and volunteers.
The centre also houses a shop where visitors can purchase bird food, binoculars and a wide range of nature-themed gifts.
Tabby Lamont, site manager for the nature reserve, said: “At Lochwinnoch we work hard to bridge the gap between people and nature. We firmly believe nature is for everyone and that everyone has a part to play in protecting it.
"Our goal is to ensure the site has a wide range of healthy habitats and an abundance of wildlife so that visitors can really immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
“By developing habitats and managing access so that wildlife has space to feel safe, we are achieving a delicate balance between people and nature. The ultimate result is a great place to see wildlife and a healthy wetland that allows nature to thrive. We’re delighted to have the best of both worlds!”
Recent projects include the creation of a new wetland scrape which has led to the breeding of rare Little Ringed Plovers in 2022 and 2023.
There are also new pools and channels in the fen which encouraged the return of breeding common sandpipers after a 10-year absence, and a boardwalk which straddles the embankment between the Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Lochs.
The latter allows visitors a new and close-up view over the wetland, and to discover some of the area’s cultural history.
It leads to the remains of the Peel Tower, a 17th century fortification built by the Semple family, who owned the land at the time.
Dave added: “The reserve looks better than ever, and we still have plans for further improvements in the coming years.
"Thank you to all who have visited and supported us over the years, and to the many staff and amazing volunteers who have worked so hard to keep this lovely nature reserve so special.”
RSPB Scotland will be running events at Lochwinnoch throughout 2024 to celebrate the nature reserve’s 50th year. For more information, visit events.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch.
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