The Wards Local Nature Reserve Management Project
The site
The Wards is an area of boggy land lying
between Elgin and New Elgin immediately to the south of the Aberdeen-Inverness
railway line. While rather untidy in appearance, the site
is an important habitat for many bird and animal species and
was recently awarded a certificate of commendation in the Living
Wetland Scheme which is managed by the RSPB and the Chartered
Institute of Water and Environmental Management.
It is an important area of green space right in the heart of Elgin
and despite its urban setting attracts a host of wildlife.
Work on improving the site has been going on for several years and has included the creation of an all-abilities interpretation trail around the edge of the site. The latest improvements have been designed to enhance the experience for visitors and to make the site more user-friendly.
The project
There are a number of potential projects options at the Wards and these are summarised below:
Removal of old and redundant barbed wire fences at the site;
Excavation/deepening of the pond(s) which are a valuable habitat as well as being an important teaching resource;
General woodland maintenance work;
Erection of a fence along the path at one section of the site;
Path maintenance work - the path is intended to be all-abilities, but it is quite difficult to negotiate for wheelchair users of the adjacent Cedarwood centre, as the surface has become quite rough over time.
There are a number of project types which groups can become involved in. Therefore, please discuss the requirements of your group with Andy Ross, to ensure that you choose a project type which best suits your group and to gain full details of the work involved.
