Caithness pupils participate in Countryside Ranger Experience Programme

Students from Wick High School’s special education recently (Friday 16 April) planted trees at Newtonhill Croft near Wick with Highland Council’s East Caithness Countryside Ranger.

The group of students, naming themselves “The Wise Owls”, took part in a new scheme that was set up with the school and countryside ranger, Dieter Tuerlinckx.

Dieter explained: “The aim of the Countryside Ranger Experience Programme is to allow students to get an insight into what countryside rangers do, and to encourage them to take part in some outdoor activities.

He added: “It was a pleasure to work with the Wise Owls, who came with 30 trees, which were the first ones to be planted at the new community woodland. The students were very enthusiastic about the whole event. It is great to see young people getting involved in events like these, and I would like to thank the Wise Owls and their accompanying teachers on behalf of the wider community for putting in an effort to look after our countryside.”

More events will be planned with the Wise Owls and Dieter intends to carry on with the Countryside Ranger Experience Programme after the summer holydays.

The Countryside Rangers are part of The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service.