Black Devon Wetlands: a local bird guide, parking and rules

We visited Black Devon Wetlands By RSPB Scotland 2 weeks ago and I love it. We went a Sunday and my partner chose the location, but before telling him more about my personal opinion, here is the story of this place.

The story of Black Devon Wetlands is a true helpless story. Do you know how some places simply get a new life opportunity? That is what happened here. In the past, the area was just a land patch prone to floods where the Black Devon River met the Forth Estario. It was a bit messy, really, a mixture of agricultural fields and thicket bits. But at the end of the 1990s it brought a turning point. There was a plan for a new flood defense scheme, and instead of just building a wall, they decided to get intelligent about it.

In a movement that sounds like this “of the future”, the clackmannshire Heritage Trust began what is considered the first “administered retirement” project in Scotland. This was an increasingly response to sea level, and in 2000, they created around 7 hectares of wetlands with lagoons and a Sluice door to let the tides in. It was a great success, even winning an award for its innovative approach. Then, in 2005, the local council intervened and extended the wetland as part of the Black Devon's landfill restoration project. They used the adjacent landfill floor to create another 21 hectares of wetlands, including some small islands for birds. This was a super profitable way to do the job and only shows that it can do something beautiful with a “landfill restoration.”

RSPB Scotland took over the management of the site in 2015, and with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, they did even better for people and for wildlife. They added a network of routes, a sea walk and a visualization platform, which is what makes it so easy and charming now. It is really a testimony of what happens when people come together to save and restore a natural space.

My partner and I were buzzing as soon as we got there. The air felt cleaner, and the whole place had this peaceful and quiet energy. It is a great place for a quiet walk. Nature Trail is a well -made road, so it is super accessible, even with a walking chair or a wheelchair. We simply take our time, immersing ourselves in the views and listening to the song of the birds.

Speaking of that, the observation of birds here is incredible. We saw so many different species! You will often see Zancudas birds such as RedShank and Lapwing, and we also saw some swans and Gaylag geese. The RSPB says you can also see the scarce Wildfowl and Waders passage, and in winter, you could even see Hen Harriers and Owls of short ears. I really liked seeing a little Wren crossing the brambles, it was like a small brown mouse with wings! And my partner was obsessed with a pair of sheets of slices with their distinctive black heads. Nor is it just birds. The place is a habitat for invertebrates and mammals, and the plants are beautiful. We saw some beautiful Rosabay trees and thorn trees, and the reedmace with its distinctive seed heads “in sausage” was everywhere.

The facilities are quite simple. There are no coffee or bathrooms on the site, so you will want to plan that and bring your own food and drink. The closest city is Alloa, a couple of miles away, where you can find supermarkets and other comforts. There is also no designated parking lot, but there is a limited parking lot at the crossing of Bowhouse Road and Riverside View (the postal code for their Satérica fault is FK10 1bz). Only a good neighbor and park in a responsible manner, since it is a residential area. From there, it is a short and easy walk of the reserve.

While we were looking for the parking area, we accidentally drove to a place near the black wetlands Devon, but there was no place to park. Finally, we asked a place and kindly pointed to us in the right direction.

As I always tell my partner, sometimes asking the locals is better than using maps. The map is not always clear, but a place only needs to point out, and everything suddenly makes sense.

Lol, as we say in my dialect: “A person who asks questions will never miss the way.”

It is very easy to get, which is another reason why I think it is such a good place. If you come from Glasgow, you will be there in less than an hour. We drove, and the easiest route is to get on the M8 to Stirling and then to the M80. From there, you will take the M876 to the Kincardine bridge and follow the signals to Alloa. It is quite well signed once you approach. Of EdinburghIt will take the M9 to Stirling, then the M876 to the Kincardine bridge, and again, only the signals will follow. If you come from Aberdeen, it is a longer, but still manageable trip: you will take the A90 South and then the M90, before collecting the A977 and go to Alloa.

We noticed that some people are not collecting their dog peanut and, honestly, it was not pleasant to see at all. There were several places where it was left behind, although containers were provided for proper elimination.

Some people do not seem to understand the essence of a nature reserve, it is destined to be a place of relaxation and connection with nature. It is annoying to arrive and see things like that; Irritate others and take away the quiet experience that these places must offer.
These spaces remain clean through donations and funds. You cannot simply walk and leave your dog's peanut on the sidewalk or the way, that is simply unpleasant. We can do better.

We notice enough during our visit, so I felt the need to speak. The RSPB works a lot to preserve these areas so that we all enjoy them. Please do not leave your dog's disorder, pray it.

In addition, only a reminder: you already know the rules in the RSPB reserves: dogs must be maintained with a strap. That is because birds do not need the stress of being persecuted. Some have just plotted their eggs and are trying to rest and recover after weeks of caring for their little ones. Keeping dogs in an advantage helps prevent sudden attacks, especially in tupid paths where birds nest.

We were not impressed, and I think part of the problem is that there is no RSPB office or visible presence in this place. Even so, even without constant supervision or signaling, we can and we must choose to do the right thing.

The location itself is perfect, just in the estuary nearby ALFO In clackmannshire. It is a great escape from the city. The fact that it has gone from a forgotten area and prone to floods to a prosperous natural reserve is very inspiring. It is a place that makes you feel hopeful, a little more in contact with the natural world, and much more relaxed. If you are looking for a peaceful walk, a bird observation place or simply a place to get a breath of fresh air, it is worth visiting the black wetlands Devon.

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