Success StoriesThe Peatlands Centre, RSPB Forsinard Nature Reserve, Sutherland Small Visitor Centre - Big Country - Global Story |
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"The Forsinard Reserve is a great example of looking after visitors and the unique local environment they have come to see. This case study shows you how the RSPB went about maintaining the delicate balance between nature conservation and a quality visitor experience."
Norrie Russell, Reserve Manager |
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Forsinard lies on the A897 single-track road north of Helmsdale and on the Inverness to Wick / Thurso railway line.
This reserve and visitor centre were set up in 1995. The reserve lies in the heart of the unique peatlands of northern Scotland known as the 'Flow Country. This rolling landscape, studded with thousands of pools, is home to a wide range of rare and unusual birds, animals and plants. Similar conditions are rare elsewhere in the world occurring in isolated spots such as Tierra del Fuego and South Island, New Zealand. |
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| The visitor centre is located in a dis-used railway station building. Recycling a building in this way avoided the need for a more expensive and material hungry 'new build' centre. It also retained an affinity with the railway. |
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| The railway is promoted in the reserve leaflets and visitors are encouraged to come by train. A number of school groups have travelled to Forsinard on the train for educational visits courtesy of a special arrangement with SCOTRAIL. |
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A nature trail has been laid out on the reserve. The Dubh Lochan Trail was made from local Cathness flagstones by a local contractor. Visitors to the reserve are now able to follow the trail from the side of the road out onto an open area of peatland surrounded by pools. As part of a programme of promoting awareness of the importance of peatlands, a self-guiding leaflet has been produced for trail users. In this way possible disturbance to ground-nesting birds such as waders is avoided.
Live pictures of breeding hen harriers are relayed from a secret location on the reserve to a large screen in the Peatlands Centre. During the main summer period the RSPB have someone on hand to interpret the pictures (live and recorded) to visitors. A range of features have been developed and installed in the Peatlands Centre including audio/ video systems, touch tables and games for children. Guided walks on the reserve have been popular. Several open days, for example, International Bog Day and demonstration days have also been organised. Such events are seen as worthwhile and enjoyable ways of sharing good practice and promoting the reserve and centre. |
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| Each year, a reserve poster has been circulated to B&Bs, hotels, local visitor attractions and TICs throughout the north of Scotland. Open days and special features (guided walks, installation of CCTV) have been publicised via local and national media. |
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| On average, about 5,000 people visit Forsinard Reserve every year. Since the installation of the CCTV system the number of people visiting earlier in the season (May and June) has increased. |
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| The Forsinard Reserve is managed by a full-time Reserve Manager and a seasonal contract worker. Many of the day to day duties such as opening and cleaning the Centre and practical conservation work has been carried out by local people. This is another example of the way the Centre contributes to the local economy. |
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For further information about Forsinard please contact:
Norrie Russel Tel/Fax: 01641 571225 This case study updated 26 March 2001 |
Contact Us
Sustainable Tourism Manager,
VisitScotland,
Cowan House,
Inverness.
IV2 7GF.
Tel: 01463 244671
enquiries@greentourism.org.uk