Day of action at Caithness bird haven

After an extremely busy breeding season, most of the nesting birds have now left St Johns Pool, near Dunnet which gave the Caithness Countryside Volunteers the ideal opportunity to get into action before the winter migrants begin to arrive.

The volunteers undertook a range of activities such as wood preserving the viewing hides and fence posts. Weeding was carried out on one of the islands and new shutters fitted to one of the hides.

The Highland Council’s Ranger Marina Swanson, said: “The weather was kind and we managed to get a great deal of work completed including wood preserving the hides and posts. St Johns pool is an incredible place to view birds all year round and we see our efforts being rewards each year with the amazing birdlife the haven attracts. Many thanks to our committed volunteers who always do a fantastic job, and to our hosts, the Smiths, for providing a delicious lunch.”

The Caithness Countryside Volunteers is organised through the Highland Council’s Development and Infrastructure Countryside Rangers and is always looking for new members. If you wish to find out more about the group, please contact Marina Swanson on 01847 821531 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk