Last Sunday a squad of 7 Kayaks intruded into the Wildlife area of the lower river Nairn.
Their irresponsible action scared the 200 birds away from the Swans island and island strip near the Merryton bridge.
Our resident Cob Slim has not been seen since. His mate Sue and their 3 cygnets have been calling him, to no avail.
The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust support the wildlife in this area, and are caring for a sick and malnourished swan and pinkfoot goose.
These were also scared away by the kayakers.
There can be no excuse for paddling in this area, chasing all the wildlife from their natural environment.
This deprived them of their daily winter feed supplied by the Trust, as well as depriving all the local residents and visitors the pleasure of seeing the river wildlife. Since the pandemic more people than ever walk around the riverside to enjoy the wildlife. River conditions as well as the known wildlife area were, and are not suitable for kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards. There are thousands of miles of Scottish coast and hundreds of Lochs and rivers. Picking a couple of hundred metres of wildlife environment to invade is irresponsible to say the least ! The people involved had no consideration of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which clearly states not to disturb and avoid wildlife areas!
The photos clearly show the wildlife gone - and the pathetic sight of stranded kayak, canoe in inches of water.
The others alongside the swans island.
The Trust asks all members to record and report any further intrusions into the river wildlife environment, and any sightings of Slim.
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