Have your say on the future of Loch Leven

The six-week public consultation exercise will run from tomorrow (Saturday) until April 15, inviting comments on management proposals for the reserve over the next 10 years.

National nature reserves are special places where people can enjoy the best of Scotland’s nature and Loch Leven is an internationally important wetland site in Kinross-shire.

Brimming with wildlife and history, Loch Leven is the largest natural shallow water body in lowland Britain and is home to more breeding ducks than anywhere else in inland Europe. From late summer until spring, tens of thousands of other wildfowl from many countries use it for short and long-term stopovers. Their presence gives Loch Leven year-round interest and a global importance. But it’s not just the birds that make this such a special place. It also boasts a rich mix of wet grasslands, raised bog, willow and reed beds with an amazing range of plants.

Jeremy Squire, SNH reserve manager for Loch Leven NNR, said: “This consultation is a great opportunity for people to tell us what they think about the reserve and its management. We’re especially keen to involve communities and individuals who feel passionate about Loch Leven, so their views can be taken into account when we write the final plan for the reserve. We also hope the consultation will open doors to working in partnership with people in the future.”

For more information, visit www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/loch-leven or visit the Better Place to Live Fair at Loch Leven Community Campus tomorrow (Saturday).