PARENTS looking for activities to entertain and inspire their children during the last few weeks of the summer holidays should look no further than RSPB Scotland Loch Leven.

The popular visitor attraction, which is situated five miles from Kinross and two miles from Junction 5 of the M90, behind Benarty Hill, has been running family activities everyday throughout the holidays and these will continue until August 15.

“I know many families can find it tricky finding activities to fill the long summer holidays, especially on a budget. So we have designed a range of activities to combat holiday boredom. Each week has a wild theme and there will be six challenges to complete” said Alice O’Rourke, Visitor Experience Officer at RSPB Scotland Loch Leven.

“The themes are bugs, tracks and signs, trees, flowers and animals. So there really is something for everyone to enjoy and families can come back more than once to experience a different theme. Pond dipping kits, nature bingo and explorer backpacks are also available every day”

From July 22 to 28 the Wild Challenges theme is “Terrific trees” from 22-28 July followed by “Amazing animals” from July 29 to August 4, then “What’s on the menu comes from August 5 to 11 and finally it’s “Nature’s homes” from August 12 to 15.

Alice added: “The events have been really popular so far, so we hope even more families will enjoy them in the final few weeks of the holidays.

"As well as this fun-packed programme of family activities, our wonderful walks, wildlife garden, picnic area and award-winning cafe ensure that families can make a visit to Loch Leven a fabulous day out.”

Set on the southern shore of the loch, RSPB Loch Leven nature reserve offers a great day out for families, nature lovers and wildlife watchers alike.

Formerly known as Vane Farm, they bought this reserve in 1967 as a centre for environmental education and it is still a fantastic place for children to explore and discover nature today.

Climb the trail through the woodland to the top of Vane Hill for a spectacular view over the Kinross-shire hills and countryside, or meander down to the wetland trail where our three hides allow you to get really close to nature.

In the summer, you could see ospreys on the loch, and in the winter, thousands of pink-footed geese, swans and ducks make the reserve their home.

The café serves delicious, local and ethical food all year-round, all with a fantastic view over Loch Leven itself.

For more information visit www.rspb.org.uk/lochleven, call 01577 862355 or email lochleven@rspb.org.uk.