Pupils at a Wester Ross secondary school recently took part in an experience which taught them how wild venison reaches their plates.
Second year pupils from Ullapool High School firstly spent two days on the hill with professional deer stalkers as part of the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership scheme’s (Callp) Outdoor and Woodland Learning Project.
Rangers and stalkers from the Assynt Foundation, John Muir Trust and Highland Council ranger service taught the youngsters tracking techniques to get close to red deer, including how to navigate uneven terrain, identify tracks and avoid being sensed.
The pupils were also shown recently culled deer and given a lesson in butchering methods out on the hill.
The deer were then transported to Glencanisp Lodge where pupils learned more about butchery and got a taste of barbecued venison.
This was followed by a cooking session at the school where pupils made dishes including meatballs, chilli and cottage pie.
Callp education manager Fiona Saywell said: “Many people’s only experience of meat is plastic wrapped products that are indistinguishable from the animal they came from. Thanks to players of the National Lottery we were able to show local school pupils how wild venison gets from the open hill onto our plates through our Hill to Grill programme.
“The children really impressed the stalkers with their attitude. They were happy to stay quiet while patiently crawling on the ground towards the deer and keen to get hands on.”
Lesley Strachan, art teacher at Ullapool High School, said: “I accompanied the pupils on day two, and they were already very excited and engaged after their first day on the hill. The Callp staff and stalkers John and Don developed good relationships with the pupils and were great at drawing the pupil’s interest and sharing their skills and knowledge.”
Pupil Darcy Graham said: “It was worth the cold and frozen toes. It gives you an appreciation for nature.”
