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Drive along the M90 near Kinross and a quick glance to the east will give you a tantalising view of a vast jewel of a loch. This is Loch Leven, the largest loch in lowland Scotland and one of the most important sites for birds in Europe. The loch has a string of national and international designations and is carefully managed for wildlife and people by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and RSPB Scotland (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) as one of the suite of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Scotland.
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RSPB VANE FARM - GET CLOSER TO THE WILDLIFE
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The RSPB Vane Farm Nature Centre is located off the B9097 on the south shore of the loch. Excellent facilities cater for all ages, from enthusiastic birdwatchers to casual visitors and all those in between.
„h A Wetland Trail runs close to the loch shore and observation hides.
„h A Woodland Trail through the birchwoods to the summit of Vane Hill gives spectacular views across the loch and frequent sightings of willow warblers, tree pipits and great spotted woodpeckers. Keep your eyes peeled for peregrine falcons on the nearby cliffs.
„h Three hides enable close viewing of action on the water and loch shore throughout the year.
„h An observation room in the visitor centre overlooks the loch and has displays and up to the minute viewing equipment. Expert staff are often on hand to point out features of interest.
„h Programme of events throughout the year
„h RSPB Shop and coffee shop
„h The centre is open 10am to 5pm every day except major public holidays. (Admission charge). Reserve open all year.
„h Further information T: 01577 862355
E: Vane Farm
W: RSPB
LOCH LEVEN HERITAGE TRAIL
The Heritage Trail gives access to some of the most attractive parts of Loch Leven allowing you to experience its remarkable history, nature and beauty at first hand. From Kirkgate Park, near Kinross town centre, to RSPB Vane Farm, the Trail follows the loch shore and extends to 8 miles/13km (one way only).
The path is level, wide and well-surfaced, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.
Leaflet with map from local VisitScotland Information Centres.
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AUTUMN DRAMA
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The loch is an international hub for birds: In September and October each year up to 20,000 pink-footed geese (around 10% of the entire world population) zoom in from their breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland. This arduous annual journey has been taking place for thousands of years and is driven by the search for food. The geese feed on surrounding fields and use Loch Leven as a winter roost. The `pink-feet` are joined by thousands of greylag geese as well as smaller numbers of white-fronted, bean, barnacle and brent geese. In addition, there are up to 20,000 other birds which arrive from northern and eastern Europe including ducks like pochard, shoveler, tufted duck and wigeon. Around 200 whooper swans also join the spectacular carnival.
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FROM THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TO KINROSS
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Taking advantage of high altitude winds, the migrating geese fly at approximately 6500 feet with the more experienced adults at the front battling against the fiercest wind resistance. Migration across thousands of miles is aided by a special magnetic organ in the bird's brains which is aligned to the natural polarity of the earth. Landmarks on the ground and hereditary routes also play a part in navigation. By any standards it's an awesome drama and there is something primal and deeply peaceful in the call of the geese in the autumn skies.
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TOP OF THE LEAGUE FOR DUCKS
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The loch is one of the most important areas in western Europe for breeding ducks in spring and summer. Up to 1000 pairs of ducks nest on the islands and rear their young in the shallow margins of the loch. St Serf's is the largest of the loch's seven islands and is home to anything between 400 and 600 pairs of tufted duck each year. Several hundred pairs of mallard join them. Then there are 80 pairs of gadwall, a good scattering of burrow nesting shelduck and a handful of rare breeders such as pochard and shoveler. Tall grass tussocks give cover for nests, while a colony of several thousand black-headed gulls provides on-site security. The gulls help to ward off potential egg thieves or duckling hunters such as jackdaws and rats.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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Loch Leven fills over 13 square kilometres of low ground between the Ochil, Lomond and Cleish Hills. That's enough to take in the whole of the city of Perth and still have room to spare.
Good news for wildlife: The average depth of just under 4 metres is ideal for dabbling ducks, ducklings and up-ending swans to grab some of the small creatures and plants that thrive in the food-rich water.
At three different places in the loch there are `Kettle Holes` which were formed by huge blocks of ice. These holes are up to 25 metres deep and are good for diving ducks.
It's not just birds that live on the reserve, while out walking you may encounter otters, roe deer, foxes or even the elusive water vole.
Moths Galore: the reserve is home to some 200 species of moths and butterflies.
The Fish Gate at Kinross Gardens features a sculpture of a fish basket containing the seven varieties of fish that could be caught in the loch around 1902. The magnificent formal gardens are open daily from April to September.
Globe-trotting trout: The native brown trout that live in Loch Leven are famed for their dark colour, pink flesh and delicious taste. They are so highly prized that anglers have introduced Loch Leven trout to Canada and New Zealand and many places in between.
Angling information T: 01577 863407
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GOING UP, GOING DOWN
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During the period 1830 - 1832 the level of the loch was lowered by 1.5 metres to control the water supply to nearby mills. The bed of the River Leven - the loch's only outflow - was lowered, the river course realigned and sluice gates installed. The shoreline moved inward by about 500 metres and falling water levels revealed three new islands. For wildlife this meant that salmon and sea trout could no longer run up river from the Forth to reach the loch. Very rare Arctic char disappeared and the great population of eels died out. For people, the drainage work meant an assured water supply for the mills, less seasonal flooding and increased farmland. Today, a key part of the work of SNH and the RSPB is creating and maintaining wet grassland and pools to provide year round benefit for wetland birds and wildlife. This has given a local boost to many species, including orchids, dragonflies, waders (like lapwing, snipe, curlew and redshank) and wintering geese and swans. Since 1991, breeding wader numbers at Vane Farm have soared from one pair to over 60 pairs.
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THE GREAT SWEEP OF TIME
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As well as lots of wildlife, walks and views, the loch is also famous for its history. St Serfs Island was home to Celtic monks or `Culdees` for several hundred years from the 7th century. In the 14th century William Wallace launched a commando style raid on Loch Leven Castle on Castle Island and Robert the Bruce was also a visitor. The most famous historical link is with Mary Queen of Scots, who was held captive in the castle in 1567/68. Twenty first century visitors can explore the ruined castle and island by taking the small ferry from the pier at Kinross. The service is run by Historic Scotland and operates in summer only. Details T: 01577 863 680
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FURTHER INFORMATION
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There are over 50 National Nature Reserves in Scotland, each containing some of our finest wildlife. They offer wonderful opportunities for everyone to enjoy and find out more about our rich natural heritage.
Find out more about Loch Leven NNR and other NNRs in Scotland by visiting
Loch Leven National Nature Reserve News - updated approximately weekly and includes a wealth of fascinating information about wildlife on Loch Leven, plus details of the management activities taking place to improve the reserve. Loch Leven National Nature Reserve
National Nature Reserves
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