Colin Burt was a dedicated conservationist with an endearing passion for the countryside and its wildlife. After his tragic death in 2004, the family decided that the best possible living memorial to him would be a place dedicated to wildlife landscape and people he loved. In 2005, the Burt family formed a partnership with the Fife Conservation Group which would make this memorial the place that i
t is today. A truly inspirational area of outstanding beauty was found located in the heart of Glen Dochart, a dedicated part of the River Tay Special Area of Conservation and is also a part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, in 2005. Work started in 2006 to turn what was 50 acres of wet grazing ground and poor quality commercial coniferous plantation into and accessible reserve perfect for wildlife and people to enjoy. Although massive amounts of work has been done through the years, there is still lots of potential for the area. Many decades of work lie ahead, but the enjoyment and rewards will be immeasurable, already many volunteers, young and old have benefited from taking part in the improvement works that have been carried out and special projects that have taken place. The Colin Burt Reserve is an area that demonstrates both conservation and recreation, allowing people to experience and enjoy the countryside even more. As well as many walks through wetland, woodland and meadow there are also opportunities for fishing on the River Dochart, bird watching and deer watching. The reserve is also equipped with an information board and an Education Room, allowing anyone to take the chance to learn about the different wildlife on the reserve and appreciate what the area has to offer. The greatest desire is that people will use the reserve to learn about the countryside, its wildlife and our place within the environment. Conservation activities regularly take place with volunteers learning about how to look after the environment we live in, how to take care of land and, of course, about the wildlife itself. Young people are, and always will be, involved in the management, administration and development of the reserve, learning new skills and developing others. A key note of the Colin Burt Reserve, was the finding of a new species of fungi, never seen by science before. Named after Colin, Coniochaeta Burtii was collected from the reserve in 2006 by Prof. Roy Watling
