GreenPower would like to say a massive thanks to RSPB Glasgow for showing a number of our staff round their Black Devon Wetlands Reserve last week.
GreenPower is continuing to support RSPB by sponsoring the RSPB Nature of Scotland Community Initiative Award and this visit gave us the opportunity to see not only the type of work that RSPB do, but also to explore a bit of Alloa that we had not been to before, spot some local wildlife and even take part in some pond dipping!
The reserve is a quiet gem of untouched wet grassland and wetland habitat which includes freshwater pools, brackish pools and reed beds. This new site is being developed by RSPB Scotland to benefit the people and wildlife of the Inner Forth. The lease for the land was only signed in the summer of 2016 but already a huge amount of work has been done to encourage a diverse range of wildlife to colonise the Reserve. Caddisfly larvae and three-spined stickleback lurk in the ponds while lapwing, redshank, water rail and even hen harriers can be seen by those who have the patience to sit in the hide and let nature come to them.
As well as creating more water edge habitat and wild flower areas, there is a stunning viewing hide, a dedicated area for pond dipping, board walks and seating. A number of housing estates adjoin the Reserve and local schools including Alloa Academy are within walking distance creating a great resource for both wildlife and people to thrive in.
GreenPower wishes RSPB every success in further developing this wonderful area and is looking forward to revisiting the site to see the new wildflower areas, the green roof that is going to be installed on the viewing hide and hopefully spot some more fascinating wildlife!
