Loch Lomond Nature Discovery Hub - updated FAQ's

RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond currently welcomes 12000 engaged visitors (visitors we’ve had a conversation with), plus an estimated additional 5000-7000 visitors that we do not engage with (out of hours visitors, and when the Nature Hub is not staffed). We also estimate around 8,000-10,000 visitor use the Shore Wood path each year, many of whom do not pass through the Nature Hub. We have recently installed new people counters which should allow us to keep increasingly more accurate data on visitor numbers. This totals around 25,000 to 27,000 visits at present, which works out to an average of 69 visitors per day.  Busier months of the year are April, May, July and August.

We expect visitors to peak at between 40,000-60,000. This may sound like a big increase but daily this would be an average of 110 – 165 people. This would be a gradual increase, giving us time to properly assess and manage any impacts.

The RSPB is experienced at managing sites for the benefit of both nature and people. Having well-managed nature trails, well-trained staff and volunteers, and clear visitor information before and during a visit, will continue ensuring protected areas are treated with respect. We have zoned the land at RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond to ensure there are areas where visitors can engage with and be inspired by habitats and species, and other areas where we do not work to encourage visitors due to their sensitive nature.

Where there is more of a reliable staff and volunteer presence, the impacts caused by visitors decrease, as messaging can be delivered more consistently, and visitors hold each other to account. As staff, volunteers and visitor numbers increase on site, so do opportunities to engage with visitors about displaying positive behaviour in a natural environment.

Already on site we do the following:

• Complete regular checks of visitor areas for litter, and collect this if found
• Speak to dog owners about responsible access
• Display signage and give information about areas sensitive for wildlife at different times of year
• Monitor desire lines and their impacts
• Speak to visitors about irresponsible behaviours
• Positively reinforce responsible behaviours

In an ideal world, all our visitors would come to site on either public transport or transport with low-environmental impact. We would like to see this continue to be improved within the National Park and will actively promote options to do this on our web pages and pre-visit information. However, given the current transport availability and our location, it is not possible to rule out car travel altogether.

Our current car park includes 15 standard bays and one disabled bay, plus temporary spaces for up to 15 additional vehicles. Our proposed new car park incorporates spaces for staff, volunteers and visitors. It will include an increased number of accessible bays and electric vehicle charging points, and at least 10 spaces will be for staff working on site. We are also investigating the provision of a bus stop within the site.

We are also including in this development a link path to the village of Gartocharn. This links to the existing village facilities such as public transport, post office/shop, and some additional areas of car parking. It will also create a good walking route for visitors from the village to access the reserve without the use of vehicles.

We have not determined the approach for site promotion yet and will consider the risks/benefits of this as part of our business plan. As we often welcome school groups and visiting institutions who travel by coach, we have chosen to include coach spaces in any development proposals as these would, otherwise, take up car parking spaces.

The final design layout for the buildings and car parking has not yet been finalised and is subject to change from the design proposals that were recently consulted on. This information will be made publicly available at the planning stage.

So far, we have completed a consultation on the design of the buildings, which has included some early-stage discussions with local community groups and individuals, as well as site visitors. The majority of feedback has been positive, and we are addressing the concerns raised as part of this process. Further opportunities to feedback on the proposals will take place once the planning submission has been lodged.

The RSPB is a charity and relies upon donations and income generation opportunities to run its estate, for both nature and people. The RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond site is currently operating at a loss, so we must realistically look at the options for generating income to contribute towards the aims of the organisation, including habitat management for wildlife, path and facilities maintenance, toilet provision and much more. For RSPB Loch Lomond we are looking at small-scale catering, car parking charges, events and activities, amongst other things. Generating income is not the only reason for this proposal (which will be costly and will have maintenance implications) , but it is important that we are able to make the operation cost effective, otherwise we cannot deliver valuable benefits for wildlife and our community on site.

The RSPB runs several models for catering operations in the UK, and we will look at which of those will work best in this location. At present, we want to provide refreshments to visitors on site, including hot and cold drinks and snacks.  We will consider the environmental impacts of any waste produced from the operation and how to limit this and reduce any associated litter impacts from this.