Public urged to have their say on Loch Leven national nature reserve

The six-week public consultation exercise will run from 5 March to 15 April 2016, inviting comments on management proposals for the reserve over the next ten years.

National nature reserves are special places where people can enjoy the best of Scotland’s nature and Loch Leven is an internationally important wetland site in Kinross-shire.

Brimming with wildlife and history, Loch Leven is the largest natural shallow water body in lowland Britain and is home to more breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe. From late summer until spring, tens of thousands of other wildfowl from many different countries use it for short and long-term stopovers. Their presence gives Loch Leven year-round interest and a global importance. But it’s not just the birds that make this such a special place. It also boasts a rich mix of wet grasslands, raised bog, willow and reed beds with an amazing range of plants.

SNH manages most of the reserve under a series of agreements with different landowners. With partners, there has been an emphasis recently on providing easy access to parts of the reserve, as well as providing high quality visitor facilities so that people can better enjoy this unique site. In addition, RSPB and SNH have set up volunteering for all and outdoor learning opportunities for school children in Kinross-shire.

SNH now want to build on this success and raise the profile of Loch Leven National Nature Reserve and provide even more opportunities for people to appreciate and enjoy this special place.

Jeremy Squire, SNH reserve manager for Loch Leven NNR, said: “This consultation is a great opportunity for people to tell us what they think about the reserve and its management. We’re especially keen to involve communities and individuals who feel passionate about Loch Leven, so their views can be taken into account when we write the final plan for the reserve. We also hope the consultation will open doors to working in partnership with people in the future.”

Leaflets are available in the local area and from SNH’s Kinross office (The Pier, Kinross, KY13 8UF. Tel: 01577 864439 after the 5^th of March). Send comments to LOCHLEVEN_NNR@snh.gov.uk. The proposals and information about the reserve are also available on the NNR website http://www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/loch-leven/

Alternatively, join us at either of the following public events and share your views:

- The SNH stand at The Better Place to Live Fair, Loch Leven Community Campus, Kinross Saturday 5^th March from 10am to 2pm.

- The SNH Chairman’s public reception at The Green Hotel, Kinross on Wednesday 9^th March from 7pm to 9pm.

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 main SNH press office on 01463 725 020 or 022.