Pond platforms in place
Volunteers have been installing new viewing platforms at a Doune nature reserve.
A small viewing platform at the 40 acre Doune Ponds reserve was taken down 18 months ago for safety reasons and replacements were installed over recent months.
The cost of the project at the former quarry was just over £4000 and came via Foundation Scotland.
Doune Ponds is part of Moray Estates and is managed by Doune Community Woodland group and Kilmadock Community Council.
Tony Farrant of Doune Community Woodland Group said the work was carried out by local volunteers and new features let visitors see wildlife at close quarters.
He said: “We started with a plan drawn up and agreed for the viewing platform last summer when the water level was low enough for us to get the pipes concreted in the ground.
“Then all-weather posts were put in and concreted in the pipes.
“Over the winter it was gradually built up. The hand rail posts were all cut off site by one of our volunteers and treatment applied before they were taken on site and bolted into place.
“Anti-slip mesh has also been laid. The ground was excavated, a connecting path added, top soil laid and seeded.
“The viewing platform is another great attraction and now provides an excellent view of wildlife on the main pond.”
Work was also carried out at the nearby dipping pond, which had become overgrown, where children learned about plants, insects and amphibians.
By the time lockdown took place in March the work at both ponds was 90 per cent complete.