Green fingered Highland Primary pupils get the conservation bug.
A Highland school conservation project recently came to fruition with the opening of an Invertebrate Garden at Auldearn Primary School (on Friday 3 May) by guest of honour Mr Sandy Park, former Convener of the Highland Council, who currently has grandchildren at the school.
The garden was the idea of Auldearn Primary’s ECO Committee members in primaries 2 to 7 as well as Principal Teacher Mrs June Ranscombe and Class Teacher Mrs Joanna Beckley
The School’s Eco Group received help from Adam Hales, who is currently on work experience from Sheffield Hallam University with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) at Munlochy.
An A-shaped area of school ground was cleared, fenced and planted with the aid of parents and pupils and the new habitat will attract “minibeasts” such as ladybirds and butterflies.
Michelle Watson, Acting Depute Head Teacher said: “I would like to thank everyone involved including Adam Hales, pupils, parents, teachers and volunteers.
“It all started in January when Adam had a meeting at the school to set up the project and work started in March for 8 weeks. Class-based lessons took place in the first few weeks and covered a range of subjects including garden birds, butterflies, beetles and bees. Pupils made butterfly houses, ladybird hotels and bird boxes. During the Easter holidays, with support from parents and volunteers from Munlochy, the ground was prepared and fence erected. After the holidays, pupils were then involved with the planting and setting up of the new habitat.
“Hopefully, this project will be a launch-pad for the conservation of invertebrates within primary schools. The project teaches children about the importance of invertebrates within the larger world. Along with a gentle approach to teaching about their roles in the environment and their life cycles, the project has included practical skills and the creation of an invertebrate garden.
“The active approach to conservation with the children allows them to be involved in something they can be proud of; this will help them want to do more for nature in the future and to continue caring for the environment around them.”