Edinburgh locals are being invited to take a romantic ramble to celebrate Valentine’s Day this weekend, as the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) prepares to host a free open day at its Bawsinch and Duddingston Wildlife Reserve on Sunday 14 February 2010 from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm.

 

Situated just three kilometres from the centre of Edinburgh at the southern end of Holyrood Park, visitors are invited to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and observe some of Duddingston Loch’s wildlife inhabitants, including bird species such as the great crested grebe, turfed duck and mute swan, all from the comfort of the Connell Hide.  

 

Julian Warman, SWT’s Reserve Manager for the Edinburgh area said: “Throughout the day organised guided walks will be on offer to give visitors an insight into local wildlife on the reserve and learn about the habitats in which they live, including the woods, scrub land, marsh and ponds. This reserve is a rare, unspoiled pocket of nature located right in the centre of Edinburgh. 

 

“The beautiful setting and convenient location makes this free day out a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with loved ones, whether that be making time to take a romantic stroll with your partner or an activity which can be enjoyed with the whole family.  What a great way to spend Valentine’s Day, by wrapping up warm and getting outdoors to explore the wonders of nature hand in hand with the ones you love.” 

 

Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch together form a haven for many forms of wildlife in the heart of Edinburgh. The reserve is home to a number of notable bird species including water rail, great crested grebe, tufted duck, mute swan and mallard breed as well as sedge warblers. A large number of wildfowl winter also winter here. There are also a number of nationally scarce plants on the reserve including tufted loosestrife, slender-leaved pondweed and needle spike rush, as well as many Scottish and locally scarce plants. Otter and water vole have also been spotted occasionally. 

 

With over 35,000 supporters, SWT is the largest voluntary organisation dedicated to the protection of all of Scotland’s wildlife.  For more information or to become a member, visit www.swt.org.uk.   

 

***ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Bawsinch and Duddingston Wildlife Reserve is open from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm on Sunday 14 February 2010. The reserve lies 3 km from the centre of Edinburgh, at the southern end of Holyrood Park. Please enter from the bend on Duddingston Road West Admission is free. Sturdy footwear is recommended. There is no disabled access available on-site. 

2. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

3. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland.  Launched in November 2007, PPL represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local charities in Scotland. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charities in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £772,023 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.

4. SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nicola McGovern, SWT PR Officer
Tel: 0131 312 4742