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Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve
The Eden Estuary, located near St Andrews on the east coast of
Scotland, has long been recognised as an important wintering ground
for wild duck, geese and waders.
In 1967 the newly formed Eden Wildfowlers' Association proposed to
the Fife County Council and the Nature Conservancy that the estuary
be designated as a local nature reserve in order that the wildfowl
resource might be positively managed.
Subsequent to that approach, the Nature Conservancy declared the
estuary as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1971. Seven
years later, after detailed consultation with wildfowling and
conservation organisations and the local community, the area was
designated as a local nature reserve.
Today the reserve is governed by a Management Committee upon which
sit representatives of the local council, wildfowlers, local
landowners and conservation organisations. Oversight, on behalf of
the Management Committee, is exercised by a Countryside Ranger.
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The most populous species of birds in the reserve are wigeon,
mallard, teal, shelduck, eider, pinkfooted goose, oystercatcher,
dunlin and redshank. Most of the wildfowl and waders are winter
visitors but some, e.g. shelduck and eider, nest in or close to the
estuary. Due to loss of suitable habitat, the number of nesting
birds has reduced in recent years.
There are three sanctuary zones within the reserve, designed to
minimise disturbance to the wildfowl roost and a tern breeding site
in critical areas.
Although the reserve is open to the public, its muddy and odorous
nature tends to make it unattractive for general recreational
activities. It is, however, of considerable interest to
wildfowlers,, ornithologists and the occasional botanist. Specified
access points have been agreed with local landowners and a
wildfowling permit scheme is in operation. The Management Committee
may also authorise research projects and visits by controlled
parties.
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Eden Estuary Local Nature Reserve
conservation wildfowl wildfowling shooting santuary st andrews fife
scotland uk scottish british britain
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