The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, a well-respected conservation charity operating in and around the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park for nearly 50 years, is showing their support for the RSPB’s planning application to further develop their Wards Reserve project.
The existing woodland trails and boardwalk at the reserve have greatly enhanced the visitor experience and have become popular among the general public and birdwatchers alike. The proposed hub and Gartocharn link path are the next step in building a top-quality conservation and educational destination that will do justice to the National Park and the internationally designated wetland and woodland habitats at the mouth of the River Endrick. These planned facilities will not only improve the visitor experience at Wards but also generate revenue for the RSPB, making the reserve sustainable for years to come.
The new footpath will also create a scenic off-road circular walk that includes Gartocharn village, Aber, and the loch shore. This will attract more foot traffic to the area and benefit the local community and businesses in Gartocharn. The Friends also see this project as a significant milestone in their aspiration for a round Loch Lomond walking trail and believe it should be given top priority by the National Park.
John Urquhart, Chair of the Friends, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This is fantastic news for the National Park, its visitors, and residents. The Friends fully support this application and have complete confidence in the RSPB’s professional approach to this project. RSPB Wards is a crucial wintering site for migratory geese and a nesting spot for ospreys that travel all the way from Africa. As part of the internationally recognized Loch Lomond Nature Reserve, it is one of the country’s leading conservation areas. We urge the planners to give this application the consideration it deserves as it will greatly contribute to the conservation and education efforts in this beautiful corner of the Loch Lomond basin.”
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