A NEW hide at a nature reserve has been officially opened, “rising from the ashes” of the old building that burnt down last year.
Nature lovers were devastated when Mill Hide at Loch Leven National Nature Reserve (NNR) was destroyed in a fire in February 2021.
A crowdfunding appeal to rebuild it raised almost £30,000, and NatureScot funded the remainder.
NatureScot chair Mike Cantlay and reserve manager Neil Mitchell were joined by the Kinross Beavers, as well as representatives from the local community and businesses, to officially open the new Phoenix Hide to the public yesterday.
Cantlay said: “To see the new Phoenix Hide rise from the ashes has been wonderful, and it just would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the local community, businesses and the wider public. The level of support has been truly heart-warming and demonstrates the importance of this special place.
“As Scotland’s nature agency, our aim is to inspire many more people to value our natural world, and I know that this beautiful new hide will play a vital role in doing that.”
The hide has been designed with a more open back to discourage anti-social behaviour and includes a new camera to record any incidents.
NatureScot’s Neil Mitchell, the reserve manager who oversaw the hide rebuild, said: “When the Mill Hide was destroyed last year we were all absolutely devastated.
“After the fire, what really came through was what a much-loved place it was for people near and far to come and connect with nature.
“We were determined to do all that we could to rebuild the hide and can’t express how grateful we are to the local community, businesses and visitors who contributed so generously to making it happen.
“If you’re visiting in the next few months, you can look out for fluffy young ducklings, mute swans, herons, ospreys and kingfishers too.”
