Help us connect more people to nature by helping us create a group shelter, making the reserve more accessible for visiting groups. This shelter will provide groups, such as visiting schools, and other groups, with a place to have lunch, gather, and generally be together, out of the weather!

Reconnecting people to nature results in more people valuing nature and wanting to see it protected. Removing as many barriers as possible to people accessing the reserve, will mean more people visiting the reserve and reconnecting with nature.

Many groups used to visit RSPB Lochwinnoch, enjoying and learning about the wildlife, as well as benefitting from the peaceful nature-filled surroundings. However, since the demolition of the old visitor centre this year, groups no longer have anywhere to escape the weather, even for lunch. This can be a barrier to many groups, particularly those with children, more vulnerable members, or simply those unused to being outside.

RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch nature reserve in Renfrewshire is a thriving wildlife haven where visitors come to experience the sights and sounds of nature. With its newly extended boardwalk, woodland trails, play area, pond and wildlife hides, the reserve offers unique opportunities to get closer to wetland habitat, discover local species, and spend meaningful time outdoors. For over 45 years, our wooden visitor centre provided a welcoming space for individuals and groups alike. However, in July 2025, the building was condemned due to extensive structural rot and had to be demolished. As a result, there is no longer a covered space for visiting groups, creating many challenges for many of them.

We are currently seeking to close a funding gap of £3,200. 

Your support will help RSPB Scotland Lochwinnoch nature reserve become more inclusive and better equipped to welcome and inspire group visits.

If the grant application for a group shelter is unsuccessful and we cannot raise the rest elsewhere, any money raised through MyParkScotland will go to other accessible infrastructure, such as accessible picnic benches and other benches. Likewise, if more money is raised than is needed for the group shelter, the excess will be used for other infrastructure to improve accessibility.

Your donation will help us make the reserve more accessible to more people and help us help more people access nature and see wildlife.

TEXT Donation

Text GROUP to 70450 to donate £5 or scan the below QR code to donate £5 via text.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20, for example Text GROUP10 to 70450 donate £10. Thanks!

Gift Aid Declaration

Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 donated.

Gift Aid is reclaimed by MyParkScotland from the tax you pay for the current year. Your address is needed to identify you as a UK taxpayer.

The additional funds generated through Gift Aid donations are invested in the park endowment fund which supports the long term management of our wonderful parks.

Adding Gift Aid to a £10 donation increased the amount claimed by MyParkScotland to £12.50

After paying platform and management fees, this typically means that an online donation of £10 becomes a park investment of £11.53 (after paying platform and management fees).

So the project receives your £10 donation and the ‘extra’ £1.53 is invested in the Parks4Life endowment fund which supports the long term future of our wonderful parks.

Please notify MyParkScotland if you:

- want to cancel this declaration
- change your name or home address
- no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code