RSPB Scotland has transformed around 200ha of grassland and saltmarsh into a dynamic coastal wetland reserve. This project saw the construction of some 3.6km of anti-predator fencing around two particular fields (totalling 37 hectares) to prevent access by large mammalian predators (notably foxes and badgers) and increase breeding success for waders and wildfowl. During the 2023-2024 monitoring season, which runs from 1st October to 30th September, a total of 29 pairs of Lapwing were recorded on the reserve with 22 of these pairs within the fenced area. This is a reserve record for this species which is listed as vulnerable on the European Red List of Birds 2021. 36 young fledged from these pairs providing a promising future for this species in the area.
Other species classed as vulnerable on the European Red List of Birds 2021, are the Common Redshank and Common Snipe. 10 pairs of Redshank were recorded in the 2023-24 season, which was another reserve record, and 3 displaying male Snipe. There are also other, less vulnerable species, that use the fenced areas to breed and therefore also benefit from the protection it provides including Little Grebe, Shoveler, Coot and Water Rail.
In 2022 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £97,000 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.