Teachers' and Pupils' Views on the Proposed Redevelopment of Lochwinnoch RSPB Centre & Reserve

Abstract

The RSPB aims to enhance the firsthand experiences of wildlife for young people, encourage growth in young people’s membership, and build its contacts and work with schools (RSPB, 2007). In order to achieve its goals, the RSPB is cognisant of the role of nature reserves and the need to ensure that educational provisions support this work. The RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve is a nature reserve and visitor centre located in Renfrewshire close to Glasgow, attracting about 35 thousand visitors per year. Facilities available for educational use include the visitor centre with classroom space, observation tower, nature trails and hides, shop, toilets, and an outdoor picnic area. Currently, the centre buildings are in need of substantial refurbishment. Before any redevelopment plans are finalised, this research, among other submissions, has been commissioned to determine what current and prospective use requirements might be, and how best to encourage better and greater educational use of the centre and reserve.