Free wetlands walk at Loch Leven

To mark World Wetlands Day, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) staff will lead a guided walk, taking a closer look at the amazing variety of wildfowl at the national nature reserve.

World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of the Ramsar convention, which was established 41 years ago to protect wetlands internationally with 21 countries as signatories. The convention has now been signed by 163 countries. Every year, February 2nd is celebrated globally at various Ramsar sites, recognising the importance of wetlands globally for people, wildlife and our environment.

Loch Leven is one of Great Britain’s most important Ramsar sites, with international populations of wintering wildfowl, including globally significant populations of pink-footed geese, whooper swans, tufted ducks and coots, to name but a few. The loch is also proving to be very popular with recently reintroduced white-tailed eagles through the winter months, and the loch shore and tributaries are often used by otters and kingfishers in search of food.

Craig Nisbet, SNH reserve officer at Loch Leven, said:

“Loch Leven is such an important place for migratory wildfowl, so come along and learn more about this special spot – and help us to look out for some of the winter visitors that makes the loch a hotspot for birders and naturalists the world over.”

The walk is free, but booking is required by calling the reserve office on 01577 864439. It takes place from 10am to 1pm, and stout footwear, waterproofs and binoculars are recommended. The walk will begin at the reserve office on the Pier at Kinross.

For up-to-date news and information on geese and other goings on at Loch Leven NNR, visit www.lochlevennnr.wordpress.com. Click the ‘Follow’ button and receive blog update emails each time they’re published.

ENDS

MEDIA QUERIES - For more information, contact SNH press & public relations officers for Scottish Natural Heritage, Vicki Mowat on 0131 316 2659 or vicki.mowat@snh.gov.uk (Tues-Fri), or the SNH main press officer on 01463 725 022 (Mon).