New hide will help twitchers see even more of basin’s wildlife

Twitchers at Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve can now see their favourite breeds from a newly constructed wildlife hide.

The new Shelduck Hide is further up the bank than the existing one, which is being demolished as the shifting currents of the South Esk eroding the riverbank will make it unsafe in a few years’ time.

Volunteers from the trust’s Reserves Project Group supported the project by installing and lining the new hide, upgrading a muddy path to make it more accessible and erecting a fence for screening.

The project has been supported by an £11,375 award from Angus Environment Fund through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

Montrose Basin ranger Anna Cheshier said: “The changing tides on the river meant that time was running out for our old hide.

“We were able to reuse the panels and equipment inside but we needed a new shell and I’m very grateful to Angus Environment Trust for providing the funding needed.

“Our hard-working volunteers have done an amazing job installing the new hide and upgrading the path.

“Grant Baird, the farmer at Mains of Dun, has also been hugely supportive and helped us move materials to the site.

“The new outlook means that a much richer range of birds and other wildlife can be enjoyed by visitors, including red-breasted mergansers, oystercatchers and rare migrants such as spoonbills.”

Shona Smith, chairwoman of the Angus Environmental Trust said: “This work ensures future generations will be able to enjoy the fantastic and ever-changing range of wildlife.”

The new hide in place at Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve.