Popular nature reserve reopened

A POPULAR Angus nature reserve was officially reopened yesterday after a four-year improvement project.

The £127,000 scheme at Balgavies Loch, about six miles east of Forfar, included improvements to fences, drystane dykes and drainage as well as the construction of a new access road and a circular footpath around the whole reserve.

It also involved the removal of non-native trees and plants to boost native species.

Balgavies is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a diverse variety of wildlife including 60 species of breeding birds and more than 200 species of plants.

The work was carried out by the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), which owns the reserve, with funding from the Angus Environmental Trust, the Rees Jeffrey Road Fund, ITV and the Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust.

The project was completed two weeks ago.

SWT staff, representatives from funding groups and local supporters from the trust’s Angus and Dundee members’ centre gathered for the opening, performed by Lord Lieutenant of Angus Georgiana Osborne.

SWT chief executive Simon Milne said: “This new access road and circular pathway are excellent examples of the trust’s dedication to providing more open access to our wonderful natural heritage, allowing more opportunities for people to enjoy these really special places.”