£11k for new hide at reserve

THE Scottish Wildlife Trust has been awarded funding for a new hide at t he Montrose Basin reserve and visitor centre.

The £11,375 has come from Angus Environmental Trust through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

Powerful river currents mean the r e s e r v e ’s Shelduck hide is in danger of sliding into the South Esk in the next few years.

A replacement will be built in a more sustainable location overlooking the river and a nearby reed bed.

The current muddy footpath leading to the hide will also be upgraded.

Montrose Basin ranger Anna Cheshier said: “The Shelduck hide is the most popular of the three hides on the reserve, but unfortunately the South Esk is threatening to undermine the ground beneath it.”

Volunteers from t he trust’s reserves project group will support the work by lining the new hide, constructing the new path and erecting fences.