Pupils and staff at an Angus school are the latest to receive the John Muir Award after completing a project in the Cairngorms National Park.
Local Cairngorms National Park Authority Board Member David Selfridge presented the certificates at a ceremony that took place on Thursday 23 June.
All 12 staff and pupils at Tarfside Primary School in Glen Esk took part in the award, which is the educational initiative of the John Muir Trust. It invites groups or individuals of any age to discover, explore, conserve and share their experiences of wild places, whether they are on the doorstep or further afield.
With help from the Angus Council Ranger Service, the school explored parts of the River Tarf and River North Esk to complete a ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ project. As part of the project, salmon eggs were reared in the classroom then released into the River Tarf. This helped pupils understand the life cycle of the salmon – our best-known native fish. To complete the award, the school pupils presented their work at an open evening.
Presenting the certificates David Selfridge said: “The John Muir Award is helping to protect and enhance natural and wild places like the Cairngorms National Park. Increasing the awareness of this heritage for all ages is a vital component in making sure these places are preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
Cairngorms John Muir Award Manager, Alan Smith said: “We can help guide anyone interested in the John Muir Award through the process and link its structure with a range of environmental and outdoor programmes and activities. People just have to get in touch.”
For more information or for a free DVD/video about the John Muir Award contact Alan Smith on 01479 870518 or email: [email protected]