SSF supports outdoor learning project

Aimed at primary school pupils in mid-Argyll, Kintyre, Oban, Lorn and the Isles, the project provides outdoor learning opportunities and will improve life-learning skills, such as outdoor safety, appropriate risk taking, adaptation and social responsibility. Other curriculum-linked activities include marine litter surveys, beach clean-ups, creature searches, beach art and environmental games with education through fun, activity and participant-led learning.

By visiting and exploring their local beach regularly, pupils gain a wider understanding of, and respect for, marine ecosystems. Each week pupils build upon their Beach School experiences and with a prime focus on ecological processes and threats to marine habitats, plants and animals such as pollution and over exploitation of natural resources they also learn that conservation and protection of our seas and oceans are vital and that young people have the power to affect attitudinal change.

 Julie Fairbrass, manager at the GRAB Trust, said: “This funding from Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community Trust will help us with transport costs. The project initially started with schools that are located within walking distance from a suitable beach, however, we would like to be able to transport other pupils that are not located close to a suitable coastal site, as everyone can benefit from participation in a programme like this.”