Volunteers improve access at St John's Pool bird reserve

Wintry weather proved no barrier to the hardy volunteers who flocked to St John's Pool bird reserve to carry out essential maintenance work.

Members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers braved hailstones and rain to carry out a range of tasks to improve access for visitors to the bird haven at the edge of St John's Loch.

Hosts Julian and Rosemary Smith provided a soup and cake lunch before the volunteers went on to hold their AGM.

Marina Swanson, High Life Highland countryside ranger who assisted with organisation of the event, said: “Thank you to our volunteers who turned out on a Sunday morning to assist with lopping overgrown trees and path maintenance works. The hide is open all year round to members of the public and is a fantastic place to birdwatch.

"We are pleased to be able to assist with access works at such a fantastic site and help get people closer to nature and encourage greater appreciation for the amazing wildlife on our doorstep."

At the AGM, the group was informed of a donation from artist Lisa Poulsen from money collected at her recent talk held at Dunnet Bay Distillery.

Lisa said: “I’m delighted the money donated from my talk is going towards such a good cause and help to preserve the environment that inspires much of my work."

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