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.
As an RSPB member, I donated towards their Wards Estate appeal, because I think it is a tremendous opportunity for RSPB - it complements their existing nature reserve at Inversnaid, and has potential to develop into a major visitor attraction similar to Vane Farm at Loch Leven.
ReplyDeleteHowever, many people may be wondering why it should be necessary for a charity to launch a public appeal to buy land that has already been designated as a National Nature Reserve for many years, in addition to being protected by a plethora of other conservation designations.
A very good question. My understanding is that without full ownership of the land RSPB is unable to manage it to the benefit of wildlife. I will pass this on to RSPB and hope we get a response.
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