By Iona Laing, Education & Events Officer
Over 200 pupils visited Abercairney in the sun last week, primary pupils on the first day and secondary on the second. The day was run by the Moorland Groups under their new Educational Programme, Learn on the Land.
Pupils in groups worked their way around a number of different stands where they learnt and experienced a range of topics such as land management and deer identification. BASC were on site with their rifle range, and there were lovely Jacob sheep, fishing lessons, working dogs, career chats and demonstrations. It was a very educational interactive day connecting youngsters with rural life. We even enjoyed a lunch of local burgers from Glenkilrie Larder and Scott Brothers Butchers.
The GWCT looked at the life cycle of the grey partridge, the different stages of their life, some of the threats they face and what is done to help them. We also looked at some ID skills, matching feathers and feet, antlers and birds nests to images in several books. We talked about different species and their habitats; we looked at prey and predators, which led us into great conversations about the food web. We covered subjects from plumage to pollination and found many engaged extremely well.