New Cabin at Baron's Haugh Boosts Activities

New cabin has made a great difference to the running of the RSPB reserve

We are really excited to have our new cabin at Baron’s Haugh, funded through the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership. It has been sitting in our car park since the end of last year, and after the initial shock from regular visitors that some random object had turned up in the car park, is proving to be very useful. For many years, RSPB staff and volunteers have struggled away without any real form of a roof over their heads. Much as we are all into experiencing nature, now and again some shelter from the elements is very much appreciated.

However, it is more than just a venue for getting out of the rain and having a brew. Already we have been using it for a whole load of other activities. The nature reserve has a full programme of family friendly nature themed events throughout the year. Having an indoor space is invaluable in running these be it for talks at the start of an event, craft activities or having a wet weather back up. In general, we are trying to expand the reach of our educational work and there is no doubt that it also makes running school visits easier. At a most basic level, having a loo on site can only be a good thing!

The cabin is a great space for running small training sessions. This summer, RSPB volunteers have been trained up in identifying and mapping invasive plant species and are now out and about recording Himalayan balsam and rhododendrons amongst other such plants.

All in all, the cabin has been a big success already. Little by little, we have been raising the profile of Baron’s Haugh. The cabin is an important step on the way.