Scottish Wildlife Trust to take over reserve

Feb 11 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian nature reserve is to stay under the management of The Scottish Wildlife Trust.

A 25-year lease of Hermand Birchwood was awarded to SWT nature reserve, near West Calder, by the council’s executive committee on Tuesday.

The trust have managed the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on a year-to-year basis since 1984, and the new long lease will allow them to apply for external funding to improve the reserve’s access paths.

Council leader Peter Johnston said: “SWT carry out an excellent job of managing Hermand Birchwood nature reserve, such as arranging educational visits and volunteer work days, and we are pleased to continue this relationship into the future.

“They have asked for this lease to allow them to look for funding to improve the paths through the reserve, as some funding schemes, such as landfill tax and National Lottery, will not consider sites that do not hold a long-term lease.

“This is an excellent arrangement for all parties and will ensure this site of rare birch woodland can be used by the public for activities such as bird-watching.”

Julian Warman, SWT reserves manager for South East Scotland added: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust is delighted to accept a long-term lease from West Lothian Council.

“We look forward to being able to invest in Hermand Birchwood and in particular improving public access around the reserve.”