Nestled in Nature : Achiltibuie
Revitalizing a Wild Area for Education and Wildlife
High Life Highland Ranger Jenny Grant has been working on an exciting new project with the rural primary school in Achiltibuie on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands . The project, Jenny describes as a '“glow up”, focuses on transforming an area behind the school into a space that is both accessible to people and friendly to wildlife.
Revitalising the Wild Area
Jenny and the young team of budding ecologists started out by cutting pathways and clearing sections of the wild area. The team worked diligently, always mindful of not disturbing the native flora and fauna. The timing of the project, conducted outside the breeding season, reflected a respect for the natural cycles and habitats of the local wildlife.
The hawthorn trees, known for their dense foliage and sharp thorns, provide a perfect protective environment for nesting birds. Whilst hawthorn is beneficial for wildlife, its prickly nature poses a challenge for school children, a point astutely observed by one of the students in Achiltibuie. This observation underscores the importance of balancing wildlife conservation with safety and accessibility for young learners, something the team in the Ranger Service help facilitate.
Discovering Nature's Marvels
As the group delved into the makeover of the wild area, they stumbled upon a wren's nest, a masterpiece of natural construction hidden in the branches of one hawtorn.
This nest woven with moss, lichen, horse hair, sheep's wool, feathers, and, notably, bits of plastic, is a sturdy testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature. However, the inclusion of plastic also struck to highlight a concerning aspect of human influence on natural habitats.
Educational Opportunities
The discovery of the birds' nests presented a unique educational opportunity for the students. Jenny took this chance to teach the children about the importance of protecting wildlife, understanding ecosystems, and recognising the impact of human activities on nature. The presence of the plastic in the wren's nest serving as a powerful visual reminder of the environmental challenges facing our planet.
Future Plans and Goals
Looking ahead, the plan for the wild area involves more than just physical changes. The school aims to create an outdoor classroom where students can learn about local wildlife, plant identification, and environmental stewardship. This hands-on approach to education is expected to foster a deeper connection between the students and their natural surroundings, instilling a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the world they live in.
The makeover of the wild area at the back of this rural Highlands primary school in Achiltibuie is more than just a conservation effort; it's a bridge between education and the environment. High Life Highland Ranger Jenny Grant's discovery of the birds' nests has sparked a meaningful dialogue among students and wider community members about the importance of preserving and understanding our natural world. This project, blending environmental care with educational growth, is set to leave a lasting impact on the students and the local ecosystem alike.
Achiltibuie is a rural coastal village situated in the Coigach area on the northwest coast of Scotland and has approximately 250 residents. This figure encompasses not only Achiltibuie but also the surrounding townships and communities in the Coigach region, including Achnahaird, Reiff, Altandhu, Polbain, Polglass, Badenscallie, and Culnacraig . This scattered layout is typical of many rural Scottish communities, where homes and crofts are spread across the landscape rather than concentrated in a dense village centre.
I loved this article because I feel it’s so important for young children to get out and about in nature as young as possible and for them to feel a part of it personally not just passing through, and to have a Ranger to guide, teach and involve them is crucial to their experience. Also it is so important and vital for their mental which as we know has deteriorated alarmingly post pandemic. Nature is a great healer for all ages but getting young people early could be a life saver for them.