Young eco warriors are on the hunt for wildlife experts to visit their school.
P2M at Westpark School have written to the Press and Journal in a bid to highlight their role in the RSPB’s Wild Challenge, a free award scheme that encourages children to connect with nature through a series of activities.
The class, led by teacher Heather Moreton, are also seeking spare tyres, wood, bird food, plants, flowers, soil, compost bins and feeders that people would be willing to provide for their project.
In addition, the pupils are looking for any wildlife experts who would be happy to visit the class and help them improve the local environment.
P2M pupil Lucy said in her letter: “As part of our biodiversity plan we are going to make bird feeders and go on a bird watch.
“We can’t do this alone and would like any wildlife experts or people who really like wildlife to come in and talk to us.”
And fellow classmate Tiana added in her letter: “We are going to make bird feeders and a bird bath so they can drink.
“We would like any help you can give.”
When contacted about the project Aberdeen City Council sent one of their own countryside rangers, Ian Talboys, to lead the children on a nature walk outside their Northfield school.
Six-year-old Ross Grimmer said: “On our nature walk I found some holly leaves and found out about rabbits who sometimes eat them.
“I really like the environment and Ian taught us a lot.
“It would be cool to get some binoculars so I can watch the birds after we build their new feeders.”
P2M teacher Ms Moreton explained she decided to embark on the Wild Challenge after researching the benefits of outdoor learning for children.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this and it seems like the children are really enjoying it.
“When we speak about the importance of recycling or looking after nature, the message really gets built on when we take the kids outside to engage with it themselves.”
John Wheeler, education operational convener, said: “I’d just like to wish the Westpark pupils the best of luck with this wonderful project.
“With Aberdeen City Council’s fantastic Countryside Rangers available to give them help and advice they couldn’t have better experts to assist them in meeting the RSPB Wildlife Challenge.”
Laura Copley, RSPB Scotland education, families and volunteering manager, added:
“It’s great to hear Westpark School is reaching out to their local community and coming up with innovative ways offer a helping hand to wildlife.
“It would be fantastic if this inspires others to challenge themselves to connect with nature in new and creative ways.”
To donate items to Westpark School’s Wild Challenge, email: @HMoreton@aberdeencity.co.uk
And to find out more about the Wild Challenge go to www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/
