It's been busy on the reserve for the past couple of weeks, mostly involving big yellow machines moving earth around.
All this work is due to the extension of the Loch Leven Heritage Trail, which will run from Vane around the south west side of the loch back to Kinross, to complete the loop. The path will run alongside the B9097 to the west end of the reserve, where a purpose-built viewpoint will provide views back over the raised bog and wetlands. The path will then head towards the loch, and cross the Gairney Burn by means of a new footbridge, before linking with the old railway line back to Kinross. The new Trail is expected to open around March next year.
The new path from the current Heritage Trail end at Vane (photo: Ken Brown)
Whilst this work was going on, we took the opportunity to upgrade and widen the path on the wetland part of the reserve; also, the bund on the south side of the path has been removed. The areas of bare earth will be re-seeded and hedges planted.
New wetland path looking from Carden Hide end (photo: Ken Brown)
The Osprey has been the bird in the spotlight this month, with around 3-4 Ospreys visiting the reserve each day since around the 22nd of August. Last Monday (9th) was especially notable, with 8 birds perching on fenceposts within the reserve.
Long-range photo of Osprey on post beside loch (photo: Ken Brown)
The last of the Swallows have just fledged, a brood of 3 in the underpass.
Three swallows sat upon a shelf, sat upon a shelf................... (photo: Ken Brown)
Other breaking news, Whooper Swans and Wigeon have now begun to arrive back from their northern breeding grounds, as have our Pink-footed Geese, the first of which were recorded on the 7th of this month, some 10-12 days earlier than last year.
That's all for now, folks.