The forest, nature reserve and estuary that make up the north-east tip of Fife are to be promoted as a single destination to help visitors enjoy them.
Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve, Tentsmuir Forest and the Eden Estuary are now known jointly as Tentsmuir and Eden Estuary.
Improvements to help people get more from them include a new welcome, orientation and interpretation hub at Tentsmuir car park and new information panels and signs.
The unified strategy has also led to a new website, improved walks and cycle paths and new leaflets and maps.
The combined three locations, which stretch from Out Head at St Andrews to Tayport, were launched on Tuesday by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland, which manage the sites.
SNH reserve manager for Tentsmuir, Tom Cunningham, said, “This should make it even easier for walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers to enjoy a visit to Tentsmuir. The new hub at the car park shows visitors everything that’s on offer and makes it easy to take advantage of it all.
“I hope everyone will come out and try one of our great cycle paths, take a wander on the beach or try to spot some of our great wildlife or maybe all three.”
Tentsmuir reserve is widely renowned for its habitats and rich variety of plants, birds, insects and other animals.
Visitors can walk along the beach to Tentsmuir Point and see hundreds of seals basking on the sandbars and explore Tayport Heath for wildflowers and fantastic views across the Tay.
In addition, visitors can watch a wide range of different waterfowl from the bird hides located at Morton Lochs.Bird watchingThe Eden Estuary centre at Guardbridge is a quiet haven for bird watchers or those keen to watch the comings and goings on the internationally noted estuary.
Linking the estuary and Tentsmuir reserve is Tentsmuir Forest, which has many way-marked walks and cycle routes through towering pines where red squirrels and roe deer can be seen.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust’s Julian Inglis said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to work with our partners to enhance the Tentsmuir experience for the many thousands of visitors who come here all year round. We are particularly proud of the Eden Centre at Guardbridge, a unique facility on a gem of an estuary.”
Hamish Murray, of the Forestry Commission Scotland, added, “The new interpretation and the hub offer visitors to the forest and surrounding area a far better understanding of what makes this such a special place.
“It will undoubtedly add to people’s enjoyment of the area. It also highlights just what can be achieved through a partnership approach.”