RSPB Events

RSPB Loch Lomond plans ahead

Despite a challenging year, everyone at RSPB Loch Lomond is feeling optimistic about the future, with some exciting plans to look forward to in 2021! Last spring we were granted planning permission for our path project, which will create a link between the car park and the loch shore. This plan was delayed by the pandemic, but we are currently seeking funding to allow it to go ahead soon. We are also exploring options for the creation of a new area of wetland on the reserve. This would benefit the internationally important population of Greenland whitefronted geese, as well as breeding waders such as lapwing and snipe, invertebrates and amphibians. Our fen restoration work is continuing and last year we managed to remove just under 2ha of non-native Osier willow from its encroachment onto the nationally important fen habitat. By removing these barriers we are creating a larger, more joined up area of wetland that will support species such as spotted crake, grasshopper warbler and reed bunting, as well as a breeding waders which don’t like being enclosed by trees such as lapwing. Using funding from the EU LIFE project we have recently acquired high-quality equipment and machinery that will allow us to access the wetter areas of the site. This will enable us to provide high-quality feeding habitat for Greenland white-fronted geese as well as a more diverse vegetation structure that is preferred by waders such as redshank and snipe.

And lastly, Hannah Imlach, a student currently completing her Arts and Humanities PhD at RSPB Loch Lomond, is currently developing some exciting, wildlife focussed art pieces, and these will be on display at the reserve in the late summer and winter.

Volunteers doing scrub removal and burning. Picture by David Palmer If you would like any more information about the reserve please visit our website or contact Ash-Lynn Tavener at ashlynn.tavener@rspb.org.uk

Tractor purchased through the EU LIFE funding. Picture by Agricar