Lochwinnoch Boardwalk to Peel Tower

This project delivered the first (260m) of two phases to install 400m of accessible boardwalk, made from recycled plastic, to begin the process of putting in place an entirely circular trail on the reserve, around the Aird Meadow Loch. This initial phase of boardwalk installation starts at the end of the existing Aird Meadow Trail, at Todd’s Seat, and continues out to Peel Tower.  Passing places, view points and interpretation can be found along the way.  This boardwalk provides better managed access to more visitors, allowing them to get closer to the habitat network usually only seen through scopes or binoculars from the Visitor Centre, or by those with a passion for donning wellies, and often waders, to get to these parts of the reserve.

The wetland and wet grassland habitat found on the reserve is a rare example in this part of Scotland.  It is part of a larger masterplan the RSPB hopes to be able to deliver over the coming years – the boardwalk was an excellent starting point to bring visitors closer to nature, or nature closer to visitors.  This accessible boardwalk greatly enhanced the visitor experience, with a blend of natural and cultural heritage, and the opportunity to view the impressive works carried out to consolidate Peel Tower. The boardwalk is a fantastic way to link key wildlife and historical features, whilst opening up a new section of the site to visitors, including those with specific access needs. It is hoped that a second stretch will be completed in the near future, from Peel Tower back down towards the existing Dubb’s Trail, completing a 2.5km circular route through woodland and wetland habitats at RSPB Lochwinnoch.