16 May, 2016
All-new peregrine TV and signs at easier-to-find NNR
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has unveiled a nest camera trained on a nearby peregrine falcon nest as part of an upgrade at Craigellachie National Nature Reserve (NNR) near Aviemore.
Along with the nest-cam, a small interpretive display has been set up within Aviemore Youth Hostel run by SYHA Hostelling Scotland (SYHA).
Visitors will also find it easier to navigate their way to the NNR after new and improved signs provided by SNH were installed at the south end of Grampian Road at the entrance track to the youth hostel.
The reserve, which showcases stunning examples of landscape, woodland, insects, and the peregrines, sits west of Aviemore and on the other side of the A9 Inverness-Perth road.
Its entrance is close to Aviemore Youth Hostel at the town’s southern end which has directional signs from the road leading south out of Aviemore.
Visitors can take the youth hostel track, go past a caravan park, and enter the reserve via a subway under the A9. An access track through this tunnel then leads into Craigellachie proper.
Craigellachie NNR is one of the finest examples of upland birch woodland habitat and its invertebrates – particularly moths – and, of course, the peregrines, are a mainstay.
Peter Duncan, SNH’s reserves manager for the area, said: “We have known for some time that finding Craigellachie is a bit of a challenge for visitors. The reserve boasts an array of wildlife and precious habitats, which we would like more people to enjoy.
“To showcase the attractions the NNR has to offer we struck up a partnership with SYHA to install a small interpretive display and signage to guide visitors to the tunnel entrance and on to the reserve.
“And for the more energetic, the viewpoint path allows those who make it to the top a spectacular vista of the Cairngorms and you can see why you are also in a National Park.”
Keith Legge, CEO of SYHA said: “Aviemore is one of our most popular youth hostels, with guests coming to enjoy all the activities that are on offer in the National Park.
“It is exciting for us to be part of this project with SNH, displaying live footage of peregrines nesting in the cliff above along with more information about the birchwood habitat and other wildlife.
“Our guests will benefit from finding out more about this special place, along with visitors to the NNR, who will also be able to buy refreshments at the youth hostel.”
The youth hostel provides teas and coffees and the new-look information, including some interactive activities for children, will enhance the visitor experience for everyone.
The overall cost of the project was around £20,000.
SYHA Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charity operating a network of more than 60 exceptional youth and affiliate hostels for the benefit of all those wishing to learn and experience what Scotland has to offer. Sites provide affordable, comfortable, safe and quality-assured accommodation with a warm friendly welcome, local knowledge, activities and services for guests travelling around Scotland.
Contact information
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- SNH Media
- snhmedia@snh.gov.uk
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