Lots of things have been happening at the Forsinard Flows nature reserve over the last couple of months and finally I’ve had a chance to sit down and tell you a bit about them.
Tower
Back in June our Flows Lookout Tower was completed and opened to the public along with the new boardwalk. The tower (not a hide!) is designed to give people spectacular views across the Dubh Lochan pool system and the vast peatland landscape of this part of the flow country. If you spend enough time at the top of it during the breeding season you will stand a good chance of seeing skylark, meadow pipit, golden plover and possibly greenshank. However it is the birds eye view of the pools that makes it really special. When you visit most pool systems you only normally see the nearest pools (those within approx 10m). The tower allows you to see all of the dubh lochan pools at the same time, giving you an aerial snapshot of what some of the much larger pool systems look like. It really is quite a unique view!
The boardwalk is there, in addition to the original flagstone path, to allow greater access to the Dubh Lochan pool system. This 600m trail gradually winds its way up to the tower and is a better choice for those with limited mobility or who prefer conditions under foot to be a bit firmer. The boardwalk is also a great place to search for common lizards who love basking in the sun on the support struts.
Flows Lookout Tower on the Dubh Lochan Trail, the colour will fade over time but the views will remain amazing!
Students from the University of the Punjab enjoying their visit to the tower
Trails
The situation with the trails is unfortunately still as per the previous blog with the Dubh Lochan Trail and boardwalk fully open, but restrictions still in place on the Forsinain Trail.
B&B / Tea Room
At the start of July we had a welcome boost to our local services when Mark & Tracy Scargill opened their B&B and Tea Room at Station Cottage, Forsinard. So if you are visiting the reserve, or just passing through, why not stop for lunch or tea and a cake! (Open 10am-4pm daily | Located just south of the railway crossing) For enquiries please call 01641 571418 / 07999529086 or email Scargim@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Station-Cottage-Bed-and-Breakfast-and-Tea-Rooms/
Peatland Mural
Over the last couple of months professional illustrator and RSPB volunteer, Janice Duke, has been working on a new peatland mural for the Forsinard Flows visitor centre. We hope to have a time-lapse video of all her hard work, but here is a sneak peak of the mural as it nears completion. I’m sure you will all agree that Janice has created an amazing feature wall for us and we are extremely thankful for all her hard work. -
www.janiceduke.com
BEFORE: Janice sketching out the mural that she designed
AFTER: Almost finished, the beautiful artwork that she has been working on