Wards Estate - Part 2

There was a comment on a previous post querying why the RSPB needed to raise funds to buy the Wards Estate when it is already covered by a number of protective designations. I took this up with RSPB who have given this response.
"The site is indeed covered by a number of natural heritage designations (NNR, SSSI, SAC, SPA).  These help to protect the site from damaging development or activities.  They do not, however, guarantee that the site will be managed in the best way or that we make the most of opportunities for the public to enjoy it.  This partnership will safeguard the wildlife and precious habitats on this site for at least another 25 years. Had SNH and the Park chosen not to provide funding, it is likely that RSPB would not have proceeded and the site may have been purchased by a private owner unwilling to work in partnership with SNH and the Park Authority"

This is an impressive array of letters which led me to try to find out a bit more about what they mean. Here is a summary but a lot more detailed information on protective designations can be found on SNH's website
NNR - National Nature Reserve. National Nature Reserves are areas of land set aside for nature, where the main purpose of management is the conservation of habitats and species of national and international significance. Visitors are welcome at National Nature Reserves.


SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest.  Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are those areas of land and water (to the seaward limits of local authority areas) that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) considers to best represent our natural heritage - its diversity of plants, animals and habitats, rocks and landforms, or a combinations of such natural features. 


SAC - Special Area of Conservation.  This is an international designation and recognises the importance of a site that extends beyond national boundaries.  A Special Area of Conservation (or SAC) is a site designated under the Habitats Directive. These sites are called Natura sites and they are internationally important for threatened habitats and species. Natura sites form a unique network of protected areas which stretches across Europe from the rocky coasts of Ireland in the west, to the marshes of eastern Poland, taking in the northern forests of Sweden and the volcanic lava fields of Tenerife. SACs are selected for a number of habitats and species.
SPA - Special Protection Area.  Another international designation. A Special Protection Area (or SPA) is a site designated under the Birds Directive. SPAs are selected for a number of rare, threatened or vulnerable bird species listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, and also for regularly occurring migratory species.


RAMSAR.  RSPB didn't mention this but this is also an important international designation.  What does Ramsar stand for? It's actually the name of a town in Iran where the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance was adopted in 1971. The UK Government signed up to the Convention in 1976.  The mission of the Convention is "the conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation as a means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world".

This emphasises yet again what a very special place this is and makes me appreciate even more how lucky I am to be able to enjoy the wonders of this area on a daily basis.

It must be summer - at last

For the past week there has been a solitary swallow seen occasionally over the fields towards the loch - and, as we all know, one swallow doesn't make a summer.  However, today they were back in force, several of them swooping and soaring around the gable end of the house.  We have been on the lookout for them for almost a month.  They are usually here by the middle of April and have been very late in making an appearance this year.  Maybe the kink in the jet stream sent them off course and they have struggled to make their way back  There are plenty of flies and insects for them to feed on as the midge season seems to have started early this year - despite the rain and chilly weather.  It really is good to see their return. [The swallows that is - definitely not the midges except insofar as they are food for the swallows.  Pity you can't have one without the other.]  Now all we need is some sun.
The news of RSPBs imminent arrival in the area must be spreading through the avian world as I have sighted three species this week that I have not seen before.  Just as I was approaching Shore Wood yesterday a small bird darting through the trees and eating buds caught my eye.  It was a blackcap and I was able to watch it for several minutes before it flew higher and out of sight. As I went through the last gate to cross the short stretch of open ground before the Net Bay View Point there was a bird making very shrill call at the waters edge.  I did not get a chance to watch them for long because they darted away but there was a pair of ringed plovers at the waters edge.  The final new sighting was this afternoon, right outside the sitting room window.  A small green bird landed on the table outside and I got a clear view of a dainty little goldcrest.  This is certainly a first in the garden and I will certainly be looking out for it again.

The range of wild flowers in bloom along the path seems to increase by the day. As we go into May the bluebells are at their best.

Endrick Marshes in safe hands

Fantastic news!  The Wards Estate has been purchased by a partnership between RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to be developed as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary.  The diverse wildlife of this unique area will be safe and encouraged to prosper here.  This is a very special area that is significant internationally as well as in Scotland and Britain.
High Wards Farm has also been purchased and will become the base for RSPB staff who will be managing and developing the site.  Over time a visitor centre will be created and access to the area improved whilst maintaining the security and wellbeing of the wildlife.
This is a very exciting prospect for the area and those of us who enjoy the woods on a daily basis.  RSPB are keen to work with the local community as the project develops.  However, there is also an Appeal to raise the £1.1m needed to complete the purchase.  Donations can be made online at RSPB Wards Estate Appeal

Shore Wood is recovering from the long winter and there are definite signs of Spring.  It's too early for the bluebells to be out in force although there is the odd hardy specimen.  It is the wood anemones that are a delight and I would urge you to go and see them.  Their dainty star like faces follow the sun as it penetrates the still bare branches.  A carpet of stars.