Paper 1 Loch Kinord Access March 2022

This document contains proposals for local access guidance at Loch Kinord for 2022. NatureScot manages Loch Kinord as part of a National Nature Reserve and due to a rise in water-sports users in 2021, revised guidance was introduced asking visitors not to enter the water during bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August). NatureScot reviewed this guidance, sought specialist advice and undertook a survey. For 2022, NatureScot intends to continue this guidance, with possible zones identified for open-water swimming. Survey results showed mixed opinions with some supporting the guidance and some suggesting changes to activities and timings. Alternative options such as zoning and permit systems were considered but ruled out, with focus on pre-arrival information and managing land-based activities instead.