Scottish Wildlife Trust

PRESS RELEASE

Free open day at Edinburgh reserve

Sunday 17 February 2008

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) will hold a free open day at its Bawsinch and Duddingston Wildlife Reserve on Sunday 17 February 2007 from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm. The reserve is three 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: “Throughout the day there will be guided walks organised giving 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 11.00 am until 4.00 pm on Sunday 17 February 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

Join us online today at www.swt.org.uk

Protecting Scotland's wildlife for the future

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland (registered number SC040247) having its registered office at Cramond House, Cramond Glebe Road, Edinburgh EH4 6NS. It is also a Scottish registered charity (charity number SC005792).