Published on:
14
September 2009
There's some quacking good fun to be had at Gartmorn Dam this winter, as RSPB Scotland invites visitors to get closer to the country park's ducks, swans and other wildlife.
As the weather turns colder, the sheltered waters at Gartmorn Dam become a haven for all sorts of colourful birds, such as teals and goldeneyes, which migrate here from colder climes to escape the worst of the winter.
The incredible spectacle these birds create has always been a source of pleasure for visitors to the park. But this year, a new information officer will be on hand to help everyone identify the birds and learn a bit more about their habits.
David Anderson, who's originally from Muckhart, will be based at the visitor centre, and with the help of a team of volunteers, will be running a programme of free events and activities from now until the end of January.
David's long-standing love of the area's wildlife started when he was just 5 years old and began attending the Cygnets, a local wildlife club for children.
He said: "I'm so excited to be working at Gartmorn Dam, as it's an incredibly beautiful spot to be based, and I grew up near here as well so it feels a bit like coming home. The ducks out on the water are going to provide the focus for the project that we're running, but there are loads of other things to see in the park as well. I'm looking forward to showing people the remarkable things that can be seen here, and hopefully passing on a few tips about general wildlife watching in the area as well."
The project is part of the RSPB's nationwide Date with nature scheme, and is being run in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council.
Portfolio holder for sustainability, Councillor Eddie Carrick, said: "I'm delighted to welcome David on board in this exciting partnership project. We want to encourage people to take part in some of the many outdoor activities available in Clackmannanshire, and bird watching with an experienced guide like David is the perfect example of ways to get out and about."
To find out more about the project or the events that will be running throughout the winter, you can call David on 07792064847 or email david.anderson@rspb.org.uk.
If you want to learn more about feeding the birds in your own garden, you can join David for his Feed the Birds Day event on Sunday, October 18. He'll also be celebrating National Tree Week with activities to investigate tree-dwelling bugs and beasties on Sunday, November 29.
For more information/interviews/images, please contact Jenny Tweedie, Media and Communications Officer for the South and West of Scotland, on 0141 331 0993 or 07899 675131.
The Gartmorn Dam project is part of the RSPB's Date with nature scheme to help people across the country get closer to wildlife. Get more information here.
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB which speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654