Visitors to one of the Dundee's best places to see internationally important birds are being asked to help protect ground nesting species.
Dundee City Council is calling on visitors to Take Pride in Riverside Nature Park by sticking to surfaced paths and making sure dogs are on the lead.
Council officers have been monitoring numbers of such birds since the park was opened six years ago and despite improvements to their habitat, there has been a decline in some species. Lapwings and skylarks in particular are known to be sensitive to disturbance, and don’t breed if people or dogs get too close to the nest site.
Working with the Friends of Riverside Nature Park, comparing work at other local nature sites and following guidance from Scottish Natural Heritage, Dundee City Council is asking all visitors to keep to surfaced paths and keep dogs on the lead throughout most of the park from April to July.
Riverside Nature Park was opened in 2011, created out of the city’s landfill. Habitats have been created including the largest wildflower meadows in Dundee and bird watchers have identified more than 130 species visiting the park and the adjacent estuary.
Find out more about the park at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/environment/riversidenature
This Sunday, 27 May 2012, between 1pm and 6 pm the Ranger Service are running a BioBlitz Event at Riverside Nature Park .
It looks like the sun might be out so why not go explore Dundee's newest green space!
Find out who has already made their home at the at new nature park and get great views of the Tay Estuary and it's internationally important bird population.
Local Experts will be on hand to help you find as many species as you can throughout the day and this will help to continue to mange the site for biodiversity in the years to come.Riverside Nature Park, Wright Avenue, Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD2 1UR
Programme of Events Sunday 27 May 2012 1pm - 6pm
- Guided walks to look for birds and plants at 1.30pm and 3.30pm;
- Wildflower planting at 2.30pm and 4.30pm and
- Children's activities and recording going on all afternoon.
More information in advance contact:
Alison Cairnie
Countryside Ranger
01382 431848
More information on the day contact Alison at the marquee next to the main car park.
