A new viewing platform set to see locals of all types, from wildlife and golfing enthusiasts to avid walkers and visitors to St. Andrews, jostling to get the best views, has now been completed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT).
 
Located at Outhead Point, on the boundary of Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve, an internationally important site for seals and many bird species, and adjacent to the Link’s Jubilee Golf Course, the platform consists of a large decked area raised five feet from the ground with ramps for disability access. 

 

Built by the SWT’s Tayside-based Conservation Team, a group of young workers and volunteers who undertake skilled manual tasks under supervision for the benefit of local wildlife, the platform was commissioned by the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) to provide views of the dunes and its wildlife as well as carrying a warning about crossing the dunes during low tide. 

 

SWT’s Conservation Team Supervisor for Tayside, Duncan Budge said:  “The new viewing deck helps to protect both people and local wildlife.  Situated at the end of a walkway overlooking the estuary, it is hoped that it will act as a soft barrier for walkers, encouraging them to turn back at this point rather than continuing across the dunes.  By lowering footfall, erosion across the dunes will be reduced and, importantly, it will also act as a safety measure.  Due to the flat land, the tide comes in quickly to this area and many people get trapped by fast, incoming tides.

 

“To complete the work I supervised a team of local workers and volunteers, many of whom are young people aged between 18 and 24 who come to the Trust from unemployment through schemes such as the UK Government’s Future Jobs Fund.  SWT’s conservation teams is one way our charity helps those in need gain vocational, practical skills while working to conserve Scotland’s wildlife.” 

 

Julian Inglis of the FCCT said:  “We are an environmental charity that manages and develops biodiversity across Fife and, as such, we were looking for a reliable contactor to install a viewing deck at Outhead Point which meets high quality standards while ensuring work is carried out with care for the local countryside and wildlife.  SWT’s Tayside Conservation Team, led by Duncan Budge, fit the bill perfectly. 

 

“The construction phase of this project is now completed and the viewing deck is open to the public.  However, this is only the first phase of the project.  Information panels will be added to the platform in time for summer and, once fitted; visitors will be able to spot landmarks along the coast and local wildlife, as well as providing a perfect vantage point for golfing spectators.  We hope to create a place where the beauty of the Eden Estuary and Tentsmuir can be enjoyed.

 

“We also hope this platform will encourage visitors to go and enjoy local wildlife in other areas, including Eden Centre Bird Hide at Guardbridge, Tentsmuir Forest, and the Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve.”

 

SWT currently manages 11 conservation teams, training youths and volunteers in practical methods to conserve wildlife.  Our teams work to maintain over 120 wildlife reserves owned by SWT and also work under contract in the wider community.

 

SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife or Scotland.  For more information on SWT or to become a member, visit www.swt.org.uk. 

 

The Outhead Point platform is part of a project to install new signage, interpretation and trails from St Andrews all the way to Tayport. The work is being done by a consortium of Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Forestry Commission Scotland, SNH and Fife Council.  More information on this is available at www.tentsmuir.org. The platform was funded in part by grants from Fife Environment Trust and Fife Council.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. 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.

2. 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.

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

4. The platform is constructed at OutHead at the end of the West Sands road, West Sands, St Andrews. It is constructed on Fife Council land, adjacent to the Jubilee Course on the Links.

5. The platform is at the boundary of the Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve, internationally important for seals and many birds. The idea of the platform is to provide a view of dunes and the Eden, and onwards to Tentsmuir. A key feature is that it is fully accessible for the disabled.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Nicola McGovern, SWT PR Officer
Tel: 0131 312 4742