Published on:
19
June 2015
A tranquil area of wetland and grassland on the south-eastern edge of Alloa has become RSPB Scotland's newest nature reserve, and the charity's first in Clackmannanshire.
Black Devon Wetlands, which is popular with walkers, is also a special place for birds and wildlife, such as snipe, short-eared owls, teals and black-headed gulls.
Work to improve the various habitats at the site has already started, with much more planned for the next few months. Visitors are also set to benefit from new paths, viewing areas and signage, and a series of events will be advertised in the near future.
RSPB Scotland's Anne McCall, who's the Regional Director for South and West Scotland, said: "We're delighted to be taking on the management of the Black Devon Wetlands and we hope to transform it into a reserve that will not only help wildlife, but also provide local people with a great nature experience right on their doorstep.
"The Inner Forth is internationally recognised as an important place for birds, and the establishment of this reserve adds to a wider mosaic of habitats that are beneficial for a whole range of different species, as part of the RSPB's landscape scale project, the Inner Forth Futurescape."
Black Devon Wetlands were originally created when soil was excavated from the site to cap an adjacent area of landfill. Its managed lagoons were first formed by Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, and these were then extended in the mid 2000s by the council's landfill project.
Councillor Donald Balsillie, Convener of Enterprise and Environment, said: "Clackmannanshire Council is pleased that the award-winning Black Devon Wetlands are being leased to RSPB Scotland to carry forward its development. The council and the RSPB are working in partnership through the Forth Coastal Project, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, a Heritage Lottery funded project, to enhance the wetlands habitat and accessibility. This joint working will ensure the long term management by a respected conservation body for this unique natural heritage site located right on the doorstep of Clackmannanshire residents."
This project has also been made possible with the contribution of the LIFE+ financial instrument of the European Community - EcoCo and Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust.