“CAPERCAILLIE CHAMPION” EMMA RODDICK MSP HEARS HOW THE SPECIES COULD RETURN TO CORRIMONY NATURE RESERVE

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has been getting out in nature, visiting the Corrimony nature reserve this week.

Managed by the RSPB, the 150-hectare nature reserve is comprised of open moorland, conifer plantations, woodland, wetlands, and mountain habitats and is a popular spot for bird lovers.

Ms Roddick was shown around the reserve as she began the second week of her busy recess schedule. Commenting on the visit, Ms Roddick, who is Scottish Environment LINK’s “Capercaillie Champion”, said it was great to hear about the history and potential future of the area and how the critically endangered capercaillie may be able to return to the area in the future.

She said:

“I had a brilliant morning being shown around the Corrimony nature reserve and I am so grateful to Simon from the RSPB for taking the time to talk me through the work going on in the area.

“It was really interesting to hear about the biodiversity of Corrimony and the incredible birds that folk come here to see as well as how, with careful management, capercaillies might be able to return to the woodland.

“We also spoke about the recent wildfire which impacted a large part of the reserve. I was heartened to hear about how the community, including kids at local schools, is coming together to rebuild and replant.”