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Outing to:
RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve Joint outing with Lochwinnoch Force For Nature Saturday 13th January 2024 
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 Grey Heron © Zul Bhatia
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PRICE: Free
TIME: 10:30 – 13:00
LEADER: Zul Bhatia (who lives in Lochwinnoch and managed the RSPB Reserve for 20 years).
VENUE: Meet at the entrance to the RSPB visitor centre. Grid Ref NS 3588 5808. Postcode PA12 4JF. What3Words: totals.craziest.cried
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: A good variety of wetland birds, especially ducks. The reserve is one of the best places in Clyde where the scarce Smew sometimes winters. Whooper Swans are a possibility as is Hen Harrier. The wetland has been much enhanced by habitat management work over the last two years. The fringing woodland adds an extra element to the visit with commoner woodland birds frequently encountered.
TRAVELLING: The reserve is located 18 miles south-west of Glasgow, and is easily reached by car or train. Lochwinnoch railway station is just across the road from the visitor centre. If you are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are happy for your contact details to be shared, please contact the new outings organiser Ania Owsianka ([email protected]) to arrange car sharing, giving an indication of where you are travelling from. Parking is free for RSPB members (please put your membership card on your dashboard); £3 per car for non-members. There are nearby alternative car parks at the railway station, Lochlip Road and Castle Semple.
BOOKING INFO: There is no requirement to book, but it would be helpful to have an indication of numbers a few days in advance. Please contact the new outings organiser Ania Owsianka ([email protected]).
TERRAIN: Tarmac & gravel paths (likely to be muddy), all on level ground.
OPTICS: Binoculars are essential and a telescope would be useful.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Sturdy boots and warm, waterproof clothing. It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Toilet facilities, snacks, sandwiches and hot drinks are available at the RSPB Visitor Centre, which is open 09:30 – 17:00.
An extension to the Aird Meadow trail was opened in spring 2023 between the Aird Meadow Loch and Castle Semple Loch, including a boardwalk made of recycled plastic which gives closer views of nature and access to the restored Peel Tower.
For more information please see the website:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/lochwinnoch/facilities.
For more information and to download the SOC's excellent Where to Watch Birds in Scotland app for Android or iPhone, go to the SOC birding app page on this site.
There is a medium (22kW) ChargePlace Scotland EV charging point with two outlets at the McKillop Centre off 58 Main Street in Lochwinnoch village and several low speed (7 and 11kW) chargers in the Castle Semple Country Park car park, all of which cost 36p per kWhr (as at 16th October 2023). A ChargePlace Scotland RFID card and your own Type 2 cable are necessary for all of these.
You are advised to check the availability and cost of these on the ChargePlace Scotland website.
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay on after the outing to explore the area further.
NB: This outing may be postponed due to poor weather. Please check SOC Clyde branch website (www.birdsinclyde.scot) and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.
TIME: 10:30 – 13:00
LEADER: Zul Bhatia (who lives in Lochwinnoch and managed the RSPB Reserve for 20 years).
VENUE: Meet at the entrance to the RSPB visitor centre. Grid Ref NS 3588 5808. Postcode PA12 4JF. What3Words: totals.craziest.cried
BIRDS WE HOPE TO SEE: A good variety of wetland birds, especially ducks. The reserve is one of the best places in Clyde where the scarce Smew sometimes winters. Whooper Swans are a possibility as is Hen Harrier. The wetland has been much enhanced by habitat management work over the last two years. The fringing woodland adds an extra element to the visit with commoner woodland birds frequently encountered.
TRAVELLING: The reserve is located 18 miles south-west of Glasgow, and is easily reached by car or train. Lochwinnoch railway station is just across the road from the visitor centre. If you are willing to offer a lift, or would like a lift, and are happy for your contact details to be shared, please contact the new outings organiser Ania Owsianka ([email protected]) to arrange car sharing, giving an indication of where you are travelling from. Parking is free for RSPB members (please put your membership card on your dashboard); £3 per car for non-members. There are nearby alternative car parks at the railway station, Lochlip Road and Castle Semple.
BOOKING INFO: There is no requirement to book, but it would be helpful to have an indication of numbers a few days in advance. Please contact the new outings organiser Ania Owsianka ([email protected]).
TERRAIN: Tarmac & gravel paths (likely to be muddy), all on level ground.
OPTICS: Binoculars are essential and a telescope would be useful.
FOOTWEAR and CLOTHING: Sturdy boots and warm, waterproof clothing. It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Toilet facilities, snacks, sandwiches and hot drinks are available at the RSPB Visitor Centre, which is open 09:30 – 17:00.
An extension to the Aird Meadow trail was opened in spring 2023 between the Aird Meadow Loch and Castle Semple Loch, including a boardwalk made of recycled plastic which gives closer views of nature and access to the restored Peel Tower.
For more information please see the website:
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/lochwinnoch/facilities.
For more information and to download the SOC's excellent Where to Watch Birds in Scotland app for Android or iPhone, go to the SOC birding app page on this site.
There is a medium (22kW) ChargePlace Scotland EV charging point with two outlets at the McKillop Centre off 58 Main Street in Lochwinnoch village and several low speed (7 and 11kW) chargers in the Castle Semple Country Park car park, all of which cost 36p per kWhr (as at 16th October 2023). A ChargePlace Scotland RFID card and your own Type 2 cable are necessary for all of these.
You are advised to check the availability and cost of these on the ChargePlace Scotland website.
You are welcome to bring a packed lunch and stay on after the outing to explore the area further.
NB: This outing may be postponed due to poor weather. Please check SOC Clyde branch website (www.birdsinclyde.scot) and Clyde Birding on Twitter in advance.