Hunting for bugs 7/9/10
Pupils from Tong Primary School enjoyed a morning of fun and games learning about local biodiversity as part of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity celebrations in the islands.
They explored Stornoway Castle Grounds 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-
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.”