The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has announced an exciting new programme of events taking place at the Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve this summer.
The reserve is one of the few wetlands left in the west of Scotland, and with free entry to trails and birdwatching hides and plenty of fun activities it is highly worth a visit - especially with all the events coming up.
Scavenger Hunts for Kids
There will be self-led events for kids going on all through the summer, where intrepid young adventurers can test their wildlife spotting skills amongst the woodland trails, with exciting discoveries along the way.
Throughout June it will be the Magical Unicorn Hunt, followed by the Summer Scavenger Hunt in July, and the Great Gnome Hunt in August. To take part, simply pop into the visitor centre to collect your Hunters Pack for £3.50. Complete the challenges and claim your prize back at the visitor centre!
Photography Workshops
For those looking to explore the natural world with a camera in hand, a number of beginners’ photography workshops will be taking place. Learn how to take great outdoors and wildlife photographs with your own camera, then see your results on screen.
The workshop will be led by amateur photographer Ken Ramsay who has been photographing wildlife in Scotland for the last 10 years. This will be an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn the basics. Advice, encouragement and ideas will be freely given!
The sessions take place between 1pm and 4.30pm on June 23, August 11 and August 24, and prices range from £26 to £31. Online booking is essential - as is wet weather attire!
Guided Bat Walk
Then on August 30 there will be a guided bat walk, offering a fascinating insight to their nocturnal world. Attendees will be led around the trails in search of these misunderstood creatures, using handheld bat detectors to listen out for their echo-location calls as they whizz around in search of food.
The 90 minute walk begins at 8pm, with prices ranging from £5 to £9. Online booking, torches and suitable clothing are all strongly advised!
Wildlife enthusiastis will be on the lookout for bats (Image: Marcel Langtham)
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