NATURE lovers are being invited to join in a range of events and activities at a local RSPB reserve this summer.
Whether you want to go on a summer safari, learn how to photograph wildlife or simply enjoy a walk in the woods, the charity has events to suit everyone at its reserve in Lochwinnoch.
The nature reserve, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, showcases some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife.
Waders such as lapwings and ringed plovers breed on the site, while wildfowl including great crested grebes and tufted ducks can be seen swimming on the Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Lochs. The woodlands are home to feeding stations where visitors can watch birds such as chaffinches, nuthatches and great-spotted woodpeckers.
RSPB Scotland has developed a network of footpaths around the nature reserve, many of which are fully accessible to prams and wheelchair-users. There is also a visitor centre, shop and viewing hides which allow visitors to enjoy close-up views of the local wildlife.
Rob Conn, visitor experience manager at the reserve, said: “The summer is an excellent time to visit Lochwinnoch. The days are longer so there’s time to make the most of all the amazing wildlife that’s on offer.
"There’s something for everyone here, whether it’s birdwatching from our hides, exploring our self-led trails, or just enjoying some peace and tranquillity on the shores of the lochs.
“You can join in our events, pop into the visitor centre for a chat or simply explore the reserve at your own pace.
"We love helping people discover how fantastic nature is, and with everyone’s help, we can protect it and ensure there’s more of it to enjoy for generations to come.”
Recent projects at Lochwinnoch include the creation of a new wetland scrape which has led to the breeding of rare little ringed plovers in 2022 and 2023, new pools and channels in the fen which encouraged the return of breeding common sandpipers after a 10-year absence.
A boardwalk which straddles the embankment between the Aird Meadow and Castle Semple Lochs has also been built to allow 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.
For more information and details on how to book, visit events.rspb.org.uk/Lochwinnoch
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