Team effort puts new pond dipping platform in place at Black Devon Wetlands
Over 250 hours of work have gone into installing a new boardwalk and pond dipping platform at RSPB Black Devon Wetlands Nature Reserve, near Alloa.
Assistant Warden Ami on the completed boardwalk. Photo: RSPB
The work was carried out by a combination of local volunteers and RSPB and IFLI staff, and was funded by the Initiative, through the Heritage Lottery Fund. The result is a fantastic resource that can be used by local schools, youth groups, families and anyone else that would like to discover more about the hidden wildlife that lives beneath the water there. It also serves to highlight the variety of habitats that a site like RSPB Black Devon can support.
The pond dipping platform is actually the first of four that will be constructed on site between now and March, when the area will be opened up to the public. RSPB staff will also be working closely with local schools to help them get the most out of these great new facilities.
Ami Kirkbright, RSPB Inner Forth Assistant Warden, commented: "We are so excited to have completed the boardwalk and the first pond dipping platform. RSPB Black Devon Wetlands is an amazing place to engage with people, being just a short walk from central Alloa. It has so much to offer in terms of wildlife, and although the ponds were only created 16 months ago, they are already brimming with hugh numbers of insects, fish and newts. The platforms will make it easier and safer and for children to investigate the ponds with their nets and get a closer look at what wonderful wildlife has taken up residence here at Black Devon Wetlands.
We couldn't have completed this in record time without all the amazing help from our volunteers, who contributed over 100 hours of their time to help us. Other RSPB staff and the IFLI team also came to help us on their volunteer work days - thank you all so much!"
A volunteer party at work on the boardwalk. Photo: David Palmar
Although the ponds are relatively quiet during the winter, and there is still more to build, the RSPB and IFLI will be celebrating the opening of the new platforms and amazing wildlife in the Spring, so keep an eye on the RSPB and IFLI websites for up-coming events, where Ami and the RSPB team will be putting the pond dipping platforms to good use.