Bird haven benefits from work of volunteers

Members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers have been busy carrying out maintenance work around the bird haven at St Johns pool near Dunnet in Caithness.

While some of the group cut back encroaching trees from the car park area and path others weeded an area in front of the main hide. Removing the vegetation and exposing the shingle and sand, makes better habitat for nesting birds and attracts species such as tern which are regular summer visitors to the bird haven.

The volunteers were treated to a delicious lunch provided by hosts, Julian and Rosemary Smith before holding the groups AGM in the afternoon.

Marina Swanson, Highland Council Ranger said:  “We were very lucky with the weather and managed to complete our planned works. St John’s pool is a wonderful place to view a wide range of bird species and we are pleased to be able to support such an inspirational site. Many thanks go to our volunteers who dedicate their time and energy every month on such worthwhile projects.”

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 01955604588 or e-mail marina.swanson@highland.gov.uk