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Our work here
9 March 2007
Our Insh Marshes reserve protects around 1,000 ha of the river Spey floodplain in the Scottish Highlands and is the most important floodplain mire in Britain.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for the benefit of its breeding and wintering birds, its plants and invertebrates. The site’s scenic splendour makes it a popular attraction, so we are also improving visitor facilities and developing our education and training programme.
Fitter floodplain
The historical decline of grazing in the area had allowed the open floodplain habitat to deteriorate, with too much encroaching willow scrub and rank grassland. We now lightly mow the floodplain, and work closely with local farmers to restore grazing by sheep, cattle and ponies.
This strategy should allow us to restore the habitat without controlling water flow. We are also reducing the level of willow scrub. Our work should benefit breeding waders, wildfowl and spotted crakes, plus wintering hen harriers and whooper swans.
Other habitats
We are encouraging the natural regeneration of our semi-natural woodland, including its important aspen stands. This will benefit diverse fauna and flora, including important invertebrate communities. Measures include fencing and rabbit control. Meanwhile, we are removing exotic conifers from Loch Insh Wood. We are also managing our farmland areas for the benefit of winter farmland birds, and encouraging the growing of more arable crops.
Keeping tabs
We are monitoring important populations of birds and other wildlife on the reserve in order to evaluate our management strategies. We monitor breeding species annually, including waders and wildfowl, and key winter species monthly.
Spreading the word
We liaise closely with the local community over all aspects of our management, while keeping the local media informed. We also promote the reserve locally, and are maintaining our facilities and events programme for up to 15,000 visitors a year.
Insh Marshes is a training centre for environmental conservation, and we aim to encourage more trainees and volunteers to become qualified. We are also working with local schools and Wildlife Explorer groups to encourage environmental education for children. Meanwhile, we are promoting the reserve to key audiences as a good example of natural floodplain management.