Loch Ken Trust recently held the first of a series of environmental education sessions at Galloway Activity Centre.
Educating future generations on how to care for and protect the environment has always been a top priority for the trust.
They feel it is vitally important that children are equipped with the knowledge to enjoy the environment responsibly and enjoy all that nature and the outdoors has to offer.
The activities at the centre were designed by students from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in collaboration with Loch Ken ranger Leanne Pumpr. The students are currently working on a wildlife and conservation course which aims to provide them with real-life experience of working with communities and managing natural heritage.
The sessions were given the thumbs up by the primary five and six children from Crossmichael Primary who were the first to take part.
The activities included scavenger hunts, squirrel den building, mini ecosystems and food webs.
The weather was perfect for the schoolkids to enjoy a day of outdoor learning and fun in stunning surroundings. Tasty packed lunches were provided by The Thistle Inn.
Teaching instructor at SRUC Barony near Dumfries, Ely Blyth, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain skills in education, resource development and working with communities, in a genuine, real-life setting.
“The students have produced some amazing sessions and have really enjoyed the chance to work with the Loch Ken Trust and Crossmichael Primary. We got very lucky with the weather and the students delivered sessions on responsible camping, wildlife in Loch Ken and the ethics behind land use in fun and engaging ways. Overall, a brilliant day.”
The sessions wouldn’t have been possible without funding received through Inspiring Scotland from the Scottish Government’s Rural and Island Communities Idea Into Action Fund.
Thanks to a generous donation from Drax Group, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, the activities will be offered to local schools in the summer term.
Drax Group head of community, Shona King, said: “We’re proud to help fund the Loch Ken Trust’s valuable work which promotes our shared values of protecting the natural environment and providing educational opportunities.
Anyone interested in the work of the Loch Ken Trust can find out more at www.lochken.org.uk
