Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release - 6th September 2010
Biodiversity Fun And Games
Tong pupils accompanied by Anne MacLellan (Comhairle Biodiversity Officer), Julie Sievewright (Galson Trust Ranger) and Cristina Morrison (SNH Area Officer)
The Stornoway Castle Grounds were a hive of activity last Thursday morning as Pupils from Tong Primary School enjoyed a morning of fun and games learning about local biodiversity. This was part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity celebrations in the islands.
Pupils were accompanied by Anne MacLellan (Comhairle Biodiversity Officer), Julie Sievewright (Galson Trust Ranger) and Cristina Morrison (SNH Area Officer). The children were divided into 3 groups – the Rooks, the Herons and the Bluebells – all species found in the castle grounds and each group participated in three activity sessions during the morning. Activities included mini-beast hunts where children used sweep nets to find beasties lurking in the grass as well as looking under stones and trees. The midges were out in force but this didn’t deter these keen bug hunters who uncovered slugs, spiders and centipedes. In the plant detective’s activity, pupils were encouraged to search for wild flowers and plants and identify them. Lists of species, drawings and leaf rubbings were used to show the huge variety found in a very small area of Willow Glen. The third activity session focussed on trees and the children identified various tree species and looked at the different parts of a tree. They also measured the girth of a tree and worked out how old a stump was.
The staff from Tong School said “All the pupils thoroughly enjoyed their experience of outdoor learning. It was very well organised and the children completely engaged in the different group activities. This overall theme is being extended within the school. We would like to thank all the staff involved in the activities.”
The United Nations declared 2010 as International year of Biodiversity and throughout Scotland people are being encouraged to “Explore nature on your doorstep”. There are opportunities for everyone throughout the year to enjoy the surprising variety of nature in their local area on their own, with their family, or with organised groups. It’s easy and fun to do, good for your health and well-being, and can fit in well with people’s busy lives.
To find out more about places to visit for wildlife and landscape in the Outer Hebrides visit the Outer Hebrides Biodiversity website www.cne-siar.gov.uk/biodiversity and download leaflets for Lewis & Harris and Uist & Barra.
For further information contact Anne MacLellan, Biodiversity Officer, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on 01870 602425 Email: amaclellan@cne-siar.gov.uk .
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
