Project Launch from "Puddles to Ponds"
Imogen unveils this years Highlands' Ranger Service Education Project 2024
The High Life Highland Ranger Service is proud to announce its 2024 educational initiative, the "Puddles to Ponds" project. This innovative initiative is both an educational pursuit and a significant environmental intervention, crucial in our fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
A Close-Up on Freshwater Habitats
"Puddles to Ponds" takes a deep dive into the world of small freshwater habitats, often overlooked yet vital to our ecosystem's balance. These habitats are biodiversity hotspots, particularly for amphibians and invertebrates, which act as indicators of environmental health. The project aligns seamlessly with the Highland Biodiversity Action Plan, going beyond education to encompass practical conservation, research, and community engagement.
Why the focus on Amphibians?
In partnership with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust's (www.arc- trust.org)"Champhibians" school citizen science project, "Puddles to Ponds" brings emphasis to the study of these fascinating creatures. Amphibians, with their rich cultural and historical connections, are not only easy to identify and observe but are also crucial bioindicators of environmental pollution. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining across the UK, primarily due to pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. This project aims to reverse this trend in our region, through active engagement and conservation, learning about what plants and inveratebrates are needed for a healthy aquatic system.
Read more about Champhibians here:
Empowering the Community and Nurturing Wellbeing
Engagement is at the heart of this project. We believe in facilitating a deeper connection between the community, especially young students, and nature. This connection is known to have positive effects on mental and physical wellbeing, linking environmental health with human health. The project's collaborative nature with various conservation organisations strengthens community ownership and responsibility towards local environmental issues.
Training Support for Teachers and School Engagement
Launching on 21st February 2024, the project includes a comprehensive online teacher training on the projects’ Google Classroom resources. Rangers will also offer FREE visits and outdoor sessions to schools, introducing fresh water ecology through presentations, games, and practical conservation tasks. Activities are adaptable for all ages and can be conducted in various settings, from adopting larger community ponds and citizen science projects, to creating puddle depth habitats in the playground – and everything in between - including participation in activities indoors within classrooms. For those unable to book a Ranger visit, Google Classroom will host a plethora of resources, ensuring accessibility for all.
Strategic Alignment, Project Duration and Resources
The project aligns with several Highland and nationwide strategies to address the climate emergency, enhance health and wellbeing, and deliver on the Highland Biodiversity Action Plan. Its objectives include strengthening local and national partnerships, utilising digital education for data gathering, and support community involvement in conservation.
Aimed at schools, local residents, and various Highland youth organisations, the project seeks to increase engagement with local wildlife, enhance real-life environmental learning, and raise public awareness about freshwater habitats.
The Project runs throughout 2024, with a focus on early summer fieldwork and additional spring and autumn activities, the project involves the whole ranger team and we are aiming to partner with 30 schools. Funding includes a Nature Restoration Fund for pond creation and additional grants for essential equipment.
Embracing Our Natural Heritage
"Puddles to Ponds" is more than just a project; it's a call to action for all of us to play a part in preserving our natural heritage. It's a journey towards sustainable environmental management in the Highlands, leveraging modern education tools, and embracing community-driven conservation.
Help us spread the word about this vital initiative, for it's in our hands to shape a greener, more biodiverse future for the Highlands.
For more information about how to participate locally – please email us directly with your local ranger. If you are working within a Highland Council school setting more information and the teachers pack can be found on the Highland Council School Hub Sharepoint: Highland Headlines (look out for the yellow launch poster on the list)
Other educational ractitioners are welcome to get involved. Please get in touch, as we have other practical training days planned.
Imogen Furlong, the High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Manager, is known for her enthusiasm, organisation, and drive. Her deep passion for the Scottish Highlands' wildlife and extensive experience in outdoor education and recreation management have been central to this role. Imogen is a practical and collaborative project manager, empowering her teams to work effectively in communities and contribute to local conservation efforts.
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