A TRANQUIL area of wetland and grassland has become RSPB Scotland's newest nature reserve
Black Devon Wetlands, on the south-eastern edge of Alloa, has been named the charity's first reserve in Clackmannanshire, and will be the site of a project to improve access for people and wildlife.
The area is popular with walkers and provides a vital breeding ground and habitat for birds and animals such as snipe, short-eared owls, teals and black-headed gulls.
Work has begun to upgrade the various habitats at the site, while visitors are set to benefit from new paths, viewing areas and signs.
RSPB Scotland's Anne McCall, regional director for South and West Scotland, said: "We hope to transform it into a reserve that will not only help wildlife, but also provide local people with a great nature experience right on their doorstep.
"The Inner Forth is internationally recognised as an important place for birds, and the establishment of this reserve adds to a wider mosaic of habitats that are beneficial for a whole range of different species, as part of the RSPB's landscape-scale project, the Inner Forth Futurescape."
Black Devon Wetlands were originally created when soil was excavated from the site to cap an adjacent area of landfill.
Its managed lagoons were first formed by Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust, and these were then extended in the mid-2000s by the council's landfill project.
Councillor Donald Balsillie, convener of enterprise and environment, said: "Clackmannanshire Council is pleased that the award-winning Black Devon Wetlands are being leased to RSPB Scotland to carry forward its development.
"The council and RSPB Scotland are working in partnership through the Forth Coastal Project, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, a Heritage Lottery funded project, to enhance the wetlands habitat and accessibility.
"This joint working will ensure the long term management by a respected conservation body for this unique natural heritage site located right on the doorstep of Clackmannanshire residents."
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