Hello! The Living Loch Leven blog has a few cobwebs to dust off today, but don’t worry we are interested in all of nature so I’m not brushing them too far. Just far enough to update you on all things Loch Leven.
So, it’s great to be here, my name is Miranda and I’ve been working at Loch Leven since mid May on the Living Loch Leven Futurescape. You’ve maybe seen me out and about? Or if you haven’t why not come and say hello? You can check out the events we’re running at and around Loch Leven here http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/results.aspx which includes details of The Big Picture.
The Big Picture is an event you and anyone else can really get involved in by exploring the Loch Leven Landscape and then creating a drawing/model/piece of writing about some of the wildlife you’ve seen and sending it to us. Then, on the 26 and 27 September you will be able to come and see your work as part of a spectacular 3D display and help us celebrate the area and its wildlife. I’m still deciding on what my own personal creation will be, maybe a hoverfly like the marmalade hoverfly here.
Marmalade hoverfly, what will your creation be? (credit: RSPB Images)
But where should you go to explore? Here are my top 5 spots to get you started!
1) RSPB Loch Leven (of course!) – come and say hello and kick off your exploring with us. Climb to the top of Vane Hill and watch peregrines doing their thing or see the messy black headed gull chicks getting to grips with wings and legs.
2) Burleigh Sands – walking distance from both Milnathort and Kinross. You can see bumblebees and hoverflies feasting on the willow herb and ragwort.
3) Portmoak Moss – a raised bog in the process of being restored. Listen for Green woodpeckers yaffling and watch out for patrolling dragonflies above the vegetation. Check out the Woodland Trusts website for more information visit http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/4876/portmoak-moss/
4) Findatie and Levenmouth – park at the top of the hill and walk down to the river to watch for kingfishers and herons as well as fish swimming in the current.
5) Lielowan Meadow – a bit further away from the loch but worth a visit is this Scottish Wildlife Trusts reserve near Kelty. Look out for butterflies on the wildflowers. For more information visit http://www.swt-fife.org.uk/reserve6.htm
Have fun!
River Levena great place to explore (credit: Miranda Shephard )
Hi Jeremy, thanks for your comment. Apologies about not stating that point, our main aim for this blog was to introduce the big picture event which will be a really exciting opportunity for all parties with an interest in Loch Leven, from RSPB and SNH to local history groups and community groups, to get involved in creating an exciting display about all aspects of the Loch Leven landscape.
You've neglected to mention that Loch Leven is an National Nature Reserve and Scottish Natrual Heritage manage the open water, the islands and the strip of land that runs round most of the Loch. www.nnr-scotland.org.uk/loch-leven Look at this link to see how the loch is carved up. Cheers Jeremy
I'd give up all this wildlife watching for a season ticket for my beloved Bristol Rovers
Hi David.