Scottish Wildlife Trust

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use: Monday 28 April 2008

Free open day at Edinburgh reserve

Saturday 3 May 2008

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) will hold a free open day at its Bawsinch and Duddingston Wildlife Reserve on Saturday 3 May 2008 from 10.30 am until 4.00 pm. The reserve is 3 kilometres from the centre of Edinburgh at the southern end of Holyrood Park and from the comfort of the Connel Hide, visitors will be able to observe some of the inhabitants of Duddingston Loch as well as enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Julian Warman, SWT’s Reserve Manager for the Edinburgh area said: “By May most migrant birds have arrived and this should be an excellent opportunity to both observe and listen to the songs of both migrant and resident birds. As well as watching from the Hide there will be guided walks around the reserve which will give an insight into the wildlife and the habitats in which they live including the woods, scrub land, marsh and ponds. This free day will be a great experience for those who enjoy being out in the great outdoors and exploring nature.”

Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch together form a haven for many forms of wildlife in the heart of Edinburgh. Home to a number of notable bird species including water rail, great crested grebe, tufted duck, mute swan and mallard breed as well as sedge warblers. A large number of wildfowl winter also winter here. There are a number of nationally scarce plants on the reserve including tufted loosestrife, slender-leaved pondweed and needle spike rush, as well as many Scottish and locally scarce plants. Otter and water vole have been spotted.

1. Bawsinch and Duddingston Wildlife Reserve is open from 10.30 am until 4.00 pm on Saturday 3 May 2008. The reserve lies 3 km from the centre of Edinburgh, at the southern end of Holyrood Park. Please enter from the bend on Duddingston Road West Admission is free. Sturdy footwear is recommended. There is no disabled access available on-site.

2. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 30,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Julian Warman, Reserve Manager Central East, SWT

Tel: 0131 312 4775 or email: jwarman@swt.org.uk