Chloe Rossi from RSPB Lochwinnoch writes with April’s events at the reserve.

We hope you’ve had a smashing March. We have had an eventful month here at the reserve. A merlin was seen flying over the Barr Loch at the start of the month, a peregrine falcon was seen from the visitor’s centre flying over the Aird Meadow and the drake smew has been seen almost every day this month on the Aird Meadow Loch.

We also caught a lamprey – a primitive jawless fish – while river dipping on our Wild Science Day!

Over the past week we have also made some improvements to our new channels, so you will have to come down and have a look!

Now that spring has sprung and we are seeing a bit more of the long forgotten sun. We have lots of fun-filled events coming up in April!

Our ‘Make Your Own Mondays’ will be back for the Easter holidays and we also have a ‘Birds for Beginners’ workshop for all you budding bird enthusiasts.

Hope you have a lovely April and hope to see you at the reserve soon!

Friday 11 April Seven years and under: 11am–1pm. Eight years and over: 2–4pm Lochwinnoch Holiday Club: Grand Designs!

Come along to our weird and wonderful nest box-building day and learn how birds can use our everyday things to their advantage. We will investigate how old Teddy bears, welly boots and other random oddments can be used to help birds at the reserve and in your own garden. Be sure to book in advance. Cost: £4 Wildlife Explorer members; £7 non-members.

Adults must accompany children aged eight and under. We recommend that you bring wellies, waterproofs and old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

Saturday 12 April 11am–1.30pm Birds for Beginners Would you like to learn more about the birds you see in your garden? Join the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for a workshop session ideal for beginners to birdwatching, to help you learn more about common garden birds and pick up tips and advice on wildlife watching techniques. Then head out into the reserve to put these new skills into practise. Afterwards enjoy a hot drink back at the centre. Cost: £5 or £2 for RSPB members. Please book as places are limited.

Monday 14 April Two sessions 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Make Your Own Mondays: Springtime Dens Ever wondered how baby animals stay warm on rainy, cold days and are safe from predators when their parents are gathering food? Let’s take a closer look at where animals live and build our very animal home using the same materials they would use. Will anyone’s stay dry and safe in the storm? Please book in advance as spaces are limited. Cost: £5 or £2 for Wildlife Explorer members. Adults go free!

Friday 8 April Seve years and under: 11am–1pm. Eight years and over: 2–4pm Lochwinnoch Holiday Club: Snap!

Calling all ‘budding’ photographers!

Spring time is here again so come along and help us snap the new season’s growth, taking fantastic photos at Lochwinnoch nature reserve. Choose your favourite snap of the day to be displayed in the reserve centre and maybe even have it posted on our Facebook page. Digital cameras will be provided but please feel free to bring your own along. Let’s get happy snapping! Be sure to book in advance. Cost: £4 Wildlife Explorer members; £7 non-members. Adults must accompany children aged eight and under. We recommend that you bring wellies, waterproofs and old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

Monday 21 April 12-3pm Easter Eggstravaganza!

Fancy some egg-cellent Easter fun? Come and join us for some egg-tastic Easter activities at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve. We have plenty of wildlife-themed Easter activities for children of all ages, including egg decorating, a treasure hunt, face painting and the ever popular Egg Drop Challenge! Cost: £5 or £2 for Wildlife Explorer members. Adults go free!