Wildlife Blitz at Loch Leven

Come along to learn how to find and record wildlife with guided walks, displays, demonstrations and activities, including identifying bats, birds, insects and fish, tracking mammals and amphibians, and spotting alien species.

A 'BioBlitz' is a great, outdoor, family event where expert naturalists and members of the public work together to do a fast and intensive survey of all forms of life in a natural space.

Starting at 12 noon on Saturday, 5 July until 12 noon on Sunday 6 July, there will be wildlife experts on hand to help participants get to grips with recording species – or just finding out more about what species can be found at the nature reserve.

It's a race to find as many different species of plants, birds, insects, fungi, mammals, fish as possible in 24 hours. Everything people see or find is written down to make a list of species records which feed into national databases that monitor our wildlife.

Neil Mitchell, SNH Loch Leven reserve manager, said:

“The BioBlitz is a great way to get involved and learn about Loch Leven’s wildlife. Have you ever wondered how many varieties of bats there are around Loch Leven? You can find out how to survey for moths at our special evening event. Early risers can count birds during the dawn chorus. Or why not track a mammal to its home?”

All ages and abilities are welcome. To learn more about the day, email Sandra.Penman@snh.gov.uk or call the reserve office on 01577 864439.

Loch Leven is Scotland’s largest lowland loch and one of the most important sites for waterfowl in Britain. Its unique environment attracts not only the largest concentration of breeding ducks anywhere in the UK, but also many thousands of migratory ducks, geese and swans every autumn and winter, as well as boasting an interesting variety of wildlife, plants and trees.