Number of visitors up at reserve
Nature reserves in the Central Belt, including Flanders Moss west of Stirling, saw more than a million visitors in 2020.
Naturescot’s National Nature Reserves (NNRS) saw an upsurge in visitors this year - up to around 1,000,000 from an estimated 650,000 in recent years.
The increase, initially due to lockdown, was followed by continued interest and enthusiasm across the nation for spending time in nature in this difficult year.
Now the organisation is hoping the trends continues, saying winter is a wonderful time to continue that habit. There’s plenty to see on nature reserves in the Central Belt, from geese to birds of prey and deer, and they’re often easier to spot at this time of year because of the bare trees.
Naturescot chief executive Francesca Osowska said: “People throughout Scotland have been enjoying spending time outdoors more than ever in 2020. Nature is helping us all cope with anxiety throughout this difficult time and strengthening our resilience. I’d encourage people to get out and enjoy their local national nature reserves over the holiday season, following the latest government guidelines. Our nature reserve staff have highlighted some spectacular sights to see on our reserves this winter.”
At Flanders Moss visitors can experience the aweinspiring solitude of the moss from the viewing tower and there is often a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Wintering geese can also be heard flying over at dusk to roost at Lake of Menteith.
Francesca added: “An easy circular path gives a close-up view of the rich bog habitat. At this time of year, the carpets of sphagnum stand out more now than in the summer with striking colours and beautiful textures, like a rich tapestry. But take note that wellies are a necessity for the boardwalk this winter, as some of it is under a few inches of water. Looking up visitors might see skeins of pink-footed geese winking overhead, flocks of fieldfares and the backdrop of the snow-topped mountains of the southern edge of the Highlands.”
Francesca has some final words of advice for those visiting nature reserves: “It’s been amazing to see so many people enjoying our reserves this year, but we’d also like to remind people to protect our reserves for future generations. For example please don’t litter or light campfires, as these can damage plants, trees and wildlife.”
Green MSP Mark Ruskell said: “One of the most heartening aspects of 2020 has been the time we have all spent enjoying and rediscovering nature closer to home.
“It’s a really good sign that visitor numbers to Flanders Moss have gone up this year, it’s a precious environment to enjoy and learn about and one of my favourite places to take the kids. We must not forget that the nature around us is an amazing resource for our mental and physical health, investing in our environment will be critical for a post-covid recovery.”