Scottish Water has raised concerns for several reservoirs following reports of harmful anti-social behaviour, including littering, purposefully damaged vegetation and unattended fires at Cocksburn Reservior.
Donna Mills, Scottish Water’s Land Strategy Team Leader, said: “We are urging those people who have behaved in an anti-social way at any of our reservoirs to think about their actions and the impact they are having on the environment and local residents…”
She also implored that this behaviour cease immediately.
Amongst the list is Cocksburn Reservoir, located near the Dumyat car park, often frequented by students due to its location to the University of Stirling campus.
The publicly owned corporation Scottish Water has a team of patrol rangers who oversee Scotland’s reservoirs. Alongside reports from the public, they have discovered evidence of campfires being left alight dangerously near forest as well as trees and vegetation being cut down for fuel.
Aside from litter such as food wrapping and camping equipment, there have also been reports of human waste found discarded near the shorelines.
Georgina Berrecloth, student and president of the University’s Wild Swimming Society, said: “…The news of our weekly swim spot being vandalised and not respected is heartbreaking to hear. It’s not only us who swim up there, but it also has locals walking their dogs and the wildlife in their homes. We are already discussing a ‘clean-up day’ so our members have a beautiful place to swim in the heart of Scotland.”
David Cowan, a ranger working in partnership with Scottish Water and Forestry and Land Scotland offered advice on how students can help protect their local reservoir.
He said: “With Cocksburn so close to the University of Stirling, it’s understandably a popular place for students to get away from campus, go for a walk and spend time outdoors. We absolutely want people to come along and enjoy it.”
David went on to mention instances of found litter and cut down vegetation at Cocksburn Reservoir.
“…these damages the environment and can spoil the area for wildlife and everyone else who comes to enjoy it.”
Cowan continues: “The best rule is a really simple one: leave no trace. Whatever you bring with you, take it home again. Please don’t cut or damage trees and, if you are having a fire, make sure you follow responsible fire guidance, keep it small and under control at all times, and leave no trace afterwards.”
He also mentions a separate occurrence at Cocksburn Reservoir which has raised safety concerns.
“We’ve seen people jumping from the valve tower into the reservoir,” Cowan explains.
“Jumping from structures into a reservoir can be extremely dangerous. Reservoir water can be very cold, with sudden changes in depth and hazards beneath the surface that you simply can’t see.”
He concludes by encouraging people to “follow the water safety signage when you visit never jump from the valve tower”.
Cowan concludes by expressing how “most people we meet at Cocksburn are there to enjoy the outdoors and treat the area with respect”.
“If everyone follows these few simple steps, it makes a massive difference.”
Lastly, he also mentions the local community and volunteering events for those who want to help even more.
“We regularly bring people together to help care for these places, and it’s a great way to spend some time outdoors, meet new people and give something back to the local environment.”
Featured Image Credit: Alice Pollard
2nd year History & Journalism Student at the University of Stirling. Moved over from Sweden in 2024 to study in Scotland.