Nature fund's £210,000 award to RSPB Baron's Haugh

It has been a busy 2022 at Baron's Haugh with hard work happening both on and off reserve. Our staff and volunteers have done a power of work repairing our stock fencing to ensure we can graze the wetland, our paddocks have begun their transformation into species-rich wildflower meadows and we have started taking small steps to improve the infrastructure around the reserve. Behind the scenes there has also been a lot happening as we have looked to secure the funding that would allow us to deliver an exciting wetland project at the reserve. We are therefore delighted to announce that our application to the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, has been successful and will enable the delivery of this project. Combined with further investment from RSPB, the next two years will see us deliver a £250,000 project that will create fantastic new habitat for wildlife.

Lapwing are one of the species this project will benefit

Securing this funding is the culmination of 2 year’s work by the reserve team, and this project is vital for the future of this reserve. Over the past few years, the reserve has faced increasing pressure from flooding and erosion as the River Clyde has made its presence felt. Sections of the Clyde Walkway which runs through the reserve have been lost, along with the soil bund which separates the reserve from the river and sadly we have had to demolish a hide that was at risk from the erosion. RSPB have spent thousands of pounds attempting to repair this damage over the past few years, however as fast as we have put in repairs, new problems have popped up.

In response to these increasingly complex challenges, RSPB completed a study working with structural engineers and hydrologists to examine the options for future management of the reserve. One of the most important findings of the study was that continuing to hold the river back is unfeasible in the long term. As such, we developed an option that will work with the changing course of the river and re-establish a more natural connection between the Clyde and its floodplain. It will involve breaching the existing bund to deliver a more naturally functioning wetland, while also creating new pools, scrapes and channels to provide more wetland habitat. The support from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund will allow us to move forward with delivery of this project by developing detailed designs and then undertaking groundwork in autumn 2023.

An artists impression of the new habitats at Baron's Haugh

Unfortunately, the project will also involve the closure of the Clyde Walkway footpath around the wetland, as it is not possible to protect the path in the long term. We appreciate that this is going to be disappointing for people who use this section of the footpath regularly and have not taken this decision lightly, but we remain committed to providing a fantastic experience for walkers, birdwatchers and other users around the reserve. As such, plans have been developed to upgrade and create alternative routes, including new paths and boardwalks and put in place toilets and wildlife viewing structures to make the natural spectacle of this reserve accessible to everyone who visits. This will also ensure the local community can continue to experience and learn about the wonderful wildlife on their doorstep and we hope to make further announcements on these improvements in the coming months.

We cannot wait to get started with this project and deliver fantastic improvements for both the wildlife and people who use the reserve. If you want to know more, RSPB reserve staff will be on hand to answer questions about the project in the reserve car park on Wednesday 14^th September and Saturday 17^th September between 10am and 2pm.