THIS Sunday, RSPB Scotland Loch Leven is throwing a big party to celebrate fifty years of volunteering, creating homes for wildlife and connecting children to nature.

On Sunday, from 11 am until 3 pm, there will be free activities that help visitors explore the rich history of the reserve and discover more about the wildlife that lives there.

The opening ceremony for the RSPB’s first nature centre – a place designed to inspire people about nature in the hope that they would help to conserve it – was held on Sunday 29 October 1967.

Since then, thousands of children have visited each year and hundreds of people have helped shape the nature reserve in to the popular visitor attraction it is today. To honour their contributions, visitors and volunteers, both past and present, are invited to help mark this special occasion.

On arrival visitors will be encouraged to sign up for some special activities to ensure they don’t miss out:

Using historical photos and the stories gathered this year Uwe Stoneman (Site Manager) and RSPB Scotland Loch Leven’s very first teacher warden, Bridget Gray, will take visitors on a guided history walk at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

Fire lighting and den building sessions in the forest school with Learning Officer, Craig Leitch, run at 11am and 12pm.

Explore underwater life by pond dipping with Wildlife Explorer group leader, Margaret Herriot at 11am and 12pm.

At 1pm the education teams of past and present will get together in the picnic area for games and activities for all ages, joined by the Wildlife Explorer group.

There will also be wildlife spotter sheets and other self-led activities and a giant birthday card where visitors can record their memories. Then to wrap up the afternoon visitors are invited to visit the marquee at 2 pm to hear stories from people who have shaped the reserve.

Alice O’Rourke, Visitor Experience Officer, said: "It’s clear from all of the stories people have shared this year and the scale of the education programmes over the years that this reserve has had a massive impact locally. I hope all visitors, volunteers and staff past and present feel welcome and join in with the fun activities we’ve been planning!”

Visitors do not need to pre-book any of the activities but spaces are limited so early arrival is recommended to make the most of what’s on offer. Additional parking will be available, but visitors are encouraged to consider sharing lifts or cycling along the Loch Leven Heritage Trail from Kinross.