01 April, 2021
NatureScot warns Muir of Dinnet visitors against disturbing birds
NatureScot is urging visitors to the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve to make sure they don’t disturb wildlife, particularly at this sensitive time of year for nesting birds.
At Loch Kinord, there has been a recent upsurge in people going out on the water in canoes, inflatables and paddle-boards. Too many boats on this small loch can disturb protected wildfowl like goldeneye, and may lead to ducklings becoming separated from their parents and dying.
Catriona Reid, Muir of Dinnet reserve manager, said:
“We want everyone to have a wonderful time visiting the reserve, but we're asking visitors to remember that Muir of Dinnet is first and foremost a nature reserve and wildlife should take priority.
“If it’s busy, we’d ask those intending to go out on the water to go somewhere else at this sensitive time of year for breeding birds. It may seem that individually you're doing nothing wrong, but put that together with a number of other people doing the same thing and suddenly it's a severe disturbance problem for the birds.”
Another important tip when visiting nature reserves or walking anywhere in the countryside is to be aware of wildlife when walking dogs. Keep dogs at heel or on a lead in places such as moorland, forests, grasslands and shores to avoid disturbing birds that nest on or near the ground. For more information on responsible outdoor access in Scotland, see www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot.
ENDS
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
Notes to editors
There are 43 National Nature Reserves in Scotland. These are special places that look after some of the best of Scotland’s nature on behalf of everyone who lives or visits Scotland, and they provide unique opportunities to visit, enjoy and learn more about Scotland’s nature. For more information, see see www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot
