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Our work here
Our Loch of Strathbeg reserve protects Scotland’s largest dune loch, plus its surrounding wetlands, grassland and woodland. Thousands of wildfowl overwinter, notably pink-footed geese, and the reserve protects a wealth of other wetland wildlife.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for the benefit of its biodiversity, while offering an inspiring wildlife spectacle and a key local educational resource.
Working for wildfowl
We are working to maintain an annual population of at least 20,000 wintering wildfowl, including whooper swans, pink-footed geese and teals. Grazing and water level controls help us maintain a suitable balance of open water and grassland, while we work with local wildfowl management schemes to reduce disturbance.
Reedbed and loch
We are restoring and extending our reedbeds for wetland birds, and aim to encourage bitterns to breed. This involves planting reeds, while cutting more reed edges and viewing channels. Our work will also benefit aquatic mammals such as otters. Meanwhile, we are managing the loch’s water quality for the benefit of wildfowl, and maintaining breeding islands for birds such as terns and eider.
Other habitats
We are improving the wet grassland for breeding waders, including lapwings and redshanks, by maintaining a low sward, controlling scrub and rushes, and managing seasonal flooding. Work includes grazing, upgrading sluices and clearing invasive plants.
We are also managing dry grassland for wintering geese and farmland birds, by rotating grassland and arable, and maintaining hedgerows and margins. We are protecting sand dunes by preventing any unnatural loss, encouraging key plant species and removing invasive ones.
Monitoring
We are monitoring all species and habitats to inform our management. This includes winter wildfowl counts and standard monitoring of other birds. We also monitor key mammal, fish and plant species, plus water levels, sward height and soil quality. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) assists us with aerial photography and surveys.
People power
We aim to increase visitor numbers to 20,000 per year, with improved facilities for all. We will also offer and attend more events, recruit more members, organise more group visits and develop our volunteer programme. We promote environmental education through school visits, training days and other activities. Meanwhile we continue to build good working relations with key stakeholders and the media.